If you're a parent, the cost of childcare can be overwhelming. Alongside early education funding (15 hours and 30 hours) is the UK government's tax-free childcare account.                                                        

Grants to help towards the costs of having a child, called the Sure Start Maternity Grant & Healthy Start                                         

What is this mythical 'free childcare' everyone is talking about? It's not free, it's 'government subsidised funding.' Learn more about the nuances of the 30 hours childcare funding scheme here.                                        

The financial support available to you during pregnancy and after giving birth depends on your circumstances.

15 hours of free childcare may not be as cost-free as it seems. The funding for this provision places a financial burden on nursery providers, leading to closures of more nurseries and childminders.