Parents can claim up to £2,000 worth of tax-free childcare this year to pay for regulated holidays clubs during the school break.
In a notice to taxpayers today, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) reminded stressed-out parents of their childcare entitlements.
It follows a recent YouGov poll which found that around a third (31 per cent) of parents feel “stressed” trying to arrange childcare over the school holidays, while more than half (54 per cent) admit they look forward to their children returning to school in September.
However, £2,000 of tax-free relief is available per child per year to pay for more than 58,000 registered childcare providers – including schools, childminders, and sports clubs.
Parents have been encouraged to apply for tax-free childcare, as well as 30 hours of free childcare, before the end of June in time for the holidays.
The schemes are also available to the self-employed.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Liz Truss, said: “Organising childcare for school holidays is important for parents. Tax-Free Childcare and 30 hours free childcare help make things easier by cuttings thousands of pounds from the childcare bills of working parents.
“So I hope families across the country visit the Childcare Choices website to take advantage of the offer available from the Government, and enjoy the holidays.”
Children and Families Minister, Nadhim Zahawi, added: “We are spending more than any other government on childcare because we want every child to get the best start in life.
“We are supporting as many families as possible with access to high-quality, affordable childcare helping to put more money in their pockets and balancing work and family lives.”
For more information, visit the official childcare website here.