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GrantEngland

Care to Learn (England)

Department for Education

At a glance

Who it's for
Individuals and households aged under 18, 18–24 in England. Full eligibility rules are below.
What you get
Up to £180 per child per week (£195 in London) towards childcare, plus travel to the childcare provider
How to claim
Apply through your school, college or other education provider, which will check that you and your childcare provider qualify.
Where
England
Deadline
No fixed deadline

Description

Pays childcare costs, up to £180 per child per week (£195 in London), for young parents in England who are under 20 when they start a publicly funded course, such as at school sixth form or college. It also covers childcare deposits and registration fees, a taster session of up to 5 days, keeping the childcare place over the summer holidays, and travel to the childcare provider. It doesn't affect the family's other benefits.

Amount

Up to £180 per child per week (£195 in London) towards childcare, plus travel to the childcare provider

Deadline

Rolling / no fixed deadline

Eligibility summary

  • Available in: England.
  • Open to individuals — not restricted to businesses.
  • Relevant age groups: under 18, 18–24.
Notes
Verified Oct 2026 directly on gov.uk's Care to Learn overview, 'what you'll get', eligibility and how-to-apply pages. Your education provider either pays travel costs or arranges travel. Age bands are set to under 18 and 18–24 because the age limit is the parent's own (under 20 at the start of the course), unlike most childcare entries where eligibility turns on the child's age. Wales, Scotland and NI have different arrangements and aren't covered by this entry.
Requirement
You're a parent under 20 at the start of your course, the main carer for your child, living in England, a British citizen or with a legal right to live and study in England, on a publicly funded course in England, and using a childcare provider registered with Ofsted or a childminder agency, or a school. Not available to salaried apprentices or for higher education courses.

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How to apply

Apply through your school, college or other education provider, which will check that you and your childcare provider qualify. You'll need your child's birth certificate or a letter confirming you get Child Benefit for them.

View official source

Last verified: 25 October 2026. See the footer disclaimer — this is general information, not financial or tax advice.