Parents reminded how they can save thousands on the cost of childcare with Tax-Free Childcare.

Working families sending their child to school for the first time in September can save up to GBP2,000 a year per child on their childcare bills

Tax-Free Childcare can be used flexibly to pay for childminders, wraparound and holiday childcare

Supporting the Government's mission to grow the economy and deliver on the Plan for Change

Hundreds of thousands of families who recently found out their little one's September primary school place, can use Tax-Free Childcare to save thousands on wraparound childcare and holiday club costs HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has said.

Many working families will now be arranging childcare for the start and end of the school day, and with Tax-Free Childcare they can get financial support of up to GBP2,000 a year per child, or GBP4,000 if their child is disabled, towards the cost.  

Tax-Free Childcare can be used to pay for any approved childcare so parents can arrange their childcare to suit them - whether that's wraparound care, a childminder, after school clubs or school holiday care.

Parents can use the scheme to pay for childcare for children aged 11 or under, or up to 16 if the child has a disability.

For every GBP8 deposited in a Tax-Free Childcare account, the government tops it by GBP2 which means parents can receive up to GBP500 (or GBP1,000 if their child is disabled) every 3 months to use to pay for their childcare costs.

Once an account is opened, parents can deposit money and use it straight away or keep it in the account to use it whenever it's needed. Any unused money in the account can be withdrawn at any time.   

The government's Plan for Change is putting more money in people's pockets and with Tax-Free Childcare, working families can save on their childcare bills by up to GBP2,000 per year per child or GBP4,000 a year if their child is disabled.

Families could be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare if they:   

have a child or children aged 11 or under. They stop being eligible on 1 September after their 11th birthday. If their child has a disability, they receive up to GBP4,000 a year until 1 September after their 16th birthday the parent and their partner (if they have one) earn, or expect to earn, at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week, on average  each earn no more than GBP100,000 per annum  do not receive Universal Credit or childcare vouchers    

A full list of the eligibility criteria is available on GOV.UK.