The Oxfordshire Help with Childcare Cost Fund is short term funding to support families with the cost of childcare where:

• this is a significant barrier for those wishing take up work or
• this is a significant barrier for those wishing to undertake learning or training that leads to work or
• short term support provides continuity for children and/or enables a parent to stay in/find work and
• other funding to support childcare costs is not available

What help is available?

Usually awards will be up to £1,000 per child (£2,000 for a disabled child). Childcare funded by this scheme must be taken by the end of March 2013.

Where applications are made to support plans that require childcare after March 2013 it should be noted that there is no guarantee of further funding and therefore applicants must demonstrate firm arrangements for childcare to continue from April 2013.

Applications for higher amounts may be agreed in exceptional circumstances.

The funding works alongside other services that enable parents to successfully make the transition into work. Applications are usually made through children’s centres or schools who are able to offer support linking up with other services and assist with completing applications.

Who can apply?

Parents/carers meeting the following criteria:

• Living in Oxfordshire
• Living in a household with a low income*
• Living with one or more children under 16 or 18 for disabled children.
• Taking up employment or training or learning that leads to work or require support to continue with employment or training or learning that leads to work*
• Not be eligible for any other source of funding to pay for childcare costs (e.g. working tax credits, college of further education or job centre plus)
• Permitted to work in the United Kingdom*
• Willing to provide feedback on the difference the funding is making

*See additional guidance document (pdf format, 64 Kb) for further information

Additional guidance

Previous applicants are welcome to apply again but further awards will only be agreed in exceptional circumstances.

The additional guidance document (pdf format, 64 Kb) covers the fund in more detail and covers the following areas:

• Frequently asked questions
• Examples of how the fund can be used
• Be eligible to work in the UK
• Low household income
• Parents seeking work or training
• What level of training can the funding support?
• Are there costs that the funding cannot be used for?

Application process

Applications must be supported by a professional working with the family, which for example could children’s centre staff or early intervention hub staff. If the support is linked to attending a college course it will usually be a college welfare officer.

You may be asked to provide evidence of income and/or other information in order to successfully apply for this funding.  

Applicants, the named professional working with the family and the childcare provider will be informed of the outcome, usually within 10 working days of the application being received.

How to apply

To apply complete an application form (pdf format, 134 Kb) and return it via email to helpwithchildcarecosts@oxfordshire.gov.uk or post to:

HWCC - Community Childcare and Play
Oxfordshire County Council
Knights Court
21 Between Towns Road
Cowley
Oxford
OX4 3LX

Note: No decision on funding will be given without an application form being submitted. Incomplete applications will be returned, which will delay the process. 

Further information

For more information or advice contact Sue Ballard, Help with Childcare Costs Administrator, on 01865 323773 or email HelpwithChildcareCosts@Oxfordshire.gov.uk. Sue is unable to advise whether a prospective application would be approved.