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Types of childcare that count as registered or approved

If you're living and studying in England, you can apply for the Childcare Grant if you use the following types of childcare:

• childcare providers registered with Ofsted
• childcare provided by a school out of school hours - on school premises or on premises that are covered by the Ofsted inspection of the school
• childcare provided by a care worker or nurse from an agency registered with the Commission for Social Care Inspection (this type of childcare can be provided in the child's own home)
• childcare provided by an approved foster carer (the care must be for a child who is not being fostered by the foster carer)

For more about Ofsted registered childcare, see 'Choosing childcare'.

Childcare that does not qualify

Even if they're registered or approved, you won't be able to get the Childcare Grant if you use a childcare provider who is:

• your partner
• a relative of your child, and they're providing care in your child's home

A relative of the child means a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, brother or sister related by blood or marriage - or a person with a strong relationship to the child (for example, someone playing the part of a parent to their partner's children).

If you have any questions about whether someone counts as a 'relative', contact Student Finance England or your local authority - whichever one you're applying to.

• Contact Student Finance England

• Contact your local authority (student finance applications) Opens new window

Back to 'Extra help for students with children'

• Childcare Grant and other help for students with children