Are You Missing Out on Tax-Free Childcare? A Must-Read for Cheshire & Manchester Parents

Cheshire Nannies
Aug 15
2 min read

At Cheshire Nannies, I understand that finding the right childcare solution , whether it's a full-time nanny in Cheshire or a part-time childcare in Manchester, can be both an emotional and financial commitment. That’s why I want to highlight a government initiative that could help reduce your childcare costs: the Tax-Free Childcare scheme.

What is Tax-Free Childcare?

The Tax-Free Childcare scheme is a government-backed programme that helps working parents with the cost of childcare. It’s open to parents of children aged 0–11 (or up to 17 if your child has a disability) and could save you up to £2,000 per child per year, or even £4,000 if your child has a disability.

How Does It Work?

For every £8 you pay into your Tax-Free Childcare account, the government will top it up with an extra £2.
You can use this account to pay for a range of childcare services, including registered nannies.
If you're hiring a nanny through Cheshire Nannies, I will ensure your nanny is Ofsted-registered (or completed the application) making you eligible to use the scheme.

Who’s Eligible?

To qualify:

Both parents (or a single parent) must be working and earning at least £167 a week (as of 2025), but less than £100,000 a year.
Your child must be under 12 (or under 17 with a disability).
You must use approved childcare providers – which includes Ofsted-registered nannies, like those we place.

Note: You cannot use Tax-Free Childcare if you are already receiving Childcare Vouchers, Universal Credit for childcare, or Tax Credits, but it can be used alongside 30 hours of free childcare for 3- and 4-year-olds.

Who Pays for Ofsted Registration?

To be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare, your nanny must be registered with Ofsted as a Home Childcare Provider.

This registration comes with a cost — currently £103 (annual fee) plus any expenses for required training (such as a paediatric first aid course, insurance, etc.).

Because the benefit of registration (i.e., Tax-Free Childcare savings) goes to the parents, not the nanny, it is common practice for the family to cover the cost of registration and related expenses. This one-off cost is typically recouped quickly, especially if you save up to £166 per month on childcare.

Real Savings for Local Families!

Imagine saving £2,000 per year on your childcare costs, that's £166 per month per child.

Many of our families across Wilmslow, Knutsford, Altrincham, Stockport, and South Manchester are already benefiting, and you can too.

How to Apply?

Visit www.gov.uk/tax-free-childcare.
Set up your secure online childcare account.
Start paying your nanny through this account.

Ready to Save on Your Childcare?

At Cheshire Nannies, we're more than just a childcare agency, we’re here to support families. Whether you’re looking for a full-time nanny in Cheshire, after-school childcare in Manchester, or temporary nanny services across the North West, we’ll help you make informed, financially smart decisions.