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Types of childcare that qualify

You can apply for the Childcare Grant if you use:

• a childminder, nursery or play scheme registered through a Health and Social Services Trust
• an out-of-hours club which is run on school grounds by a school, Education and Library Board or Health and Social Services Trust
• care provided by an approved foster carer, if the foster carer is not the foster parent of the child
• care approved under the Approval of Home Child Care Providers Scheme (this type of childcare can be provided in the child’s own home)

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 providing care in your child’s own home 
• a relative of your child, is approved under the Approval of Home Child Care Providers Scheme, is providing care away from your child’s home, and is only caring for children he or she is related to

A relative of the child means a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, brother or sister related by blood, marriage or living arrangements (for example a step brother or sister where the parents aren’t married). If you have any questions about the meaning of ‘relative’, ask your local authority.

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

Back to ‘Extra help for students with children'

• Extra help for students with children