What is it?

Childcare Vouchers were part of an employer-run scheme that allowed parents to use salary deductions to pay for childcare before tax and National Insurance were applied. While this scheme is now closed to new applicants, some parents may still be eligible if they joined before October 2018 and remain with the same employer.

How to use them

If you are eligible and still receive Childcare Vouchers, you can use them to pay for your child’s course at Software Academy. We are registered with all major voucher providers.

What to do next

You will need to contact your voucher provider and provide them with our reference number. You can find all relevant reference numbers right here on this page.

How much help can you get?

This depends entirely on how much you have saved in your Childcare Voucher account.

What is it?

This is a government-backed scheme where for every £8 you contribute to your childcare account, the government adds £2. You can receive up to £2,000 per year per child (£4,000 if your child is disabled).

How to apply

You can apply at gov.uk/apply-for-tax-free-childcare. You will need a Government Gateway account and your National Insurance number.

How to use it

Once your account is set up, you can link it to Software Academy using our reference number (available on this page). You then pay for your child’s course through the government’s platform.

How much help can you get?

Up to £500 every 3 months per child (£1,000 if your child is disabled), totalling £2,000 to £4,000 per year.

What is it?

If you are a working parent and receive Universal Credit, you may be eligible to claim back up to 85% of your childcare costs.

How to apply

Apply through your Universal Credit journal or speak to your work coach. You will need to submit receipts and proof of payment, which Software Academy can provide free of charge.

How it works

You pay for your course upfront, then submit evidence to Universal Credit. You will receive the reimbursement as part of your monthly UC payment.

How much help can you get?

• Up to £950.92/month for 1 child

• Up to £1,630.15/month for 2 or more children

What is it?

This grant is for full-time university students receiving Student Finance. It is a grant (not a loan), so it does not need to be paid back.

How to apply

You apply through Student Finance England and will need to complete an additional form called the CCG1.

How it works

Once approved, you log in to the government’s childcare portal and link your child to Software Academy using our reference number (available on this page). Software Academy will submit payment requests, and you simply approve them. Payments are made directly to us.

How much help can you get?

• Up to £193.62/week for 1 child

• Up to £331.95/week for 2 or more children

Parents must cover the remaining 15% themselves. This is usually paid upfront, but we can arrange a custom payment plan upon request.

What is it?

Your local council may be able to help cover the cost of extracurricular education if your child has a disability, special educational needs (SEND), or an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

How to apply

Contact your local authority directly. The application process can vary depending on where you live.

How it works

In most cases, councils pay Software Academy directly. However, the exact process and amount of support may vary.

How much help can you get?

Some councils may cover 100% of the cost, while others may offer partial funding or discounted places.