Parent Resources

Useful Resources

This page contains links to external resources we believe you and your children could benefit from. These include financial schemes to help cover the cost of childcare, how to apply for school places and how to keep your child safe and healthy!

Financial

15 Hours Free Childcare

All 3 and 4 year old children are currently entitled up to 15 hours of funded childcare (570 hours per year), but some working parents will be eligible for up to 30 hours of funded childcare (1140 hours per year) if they meet certain criteria.

Tax-Free Childcare

You can get up to £500 every 3 months (up to £2,000 a year) for each of your children to help with the costs of childcare. This goes up to £1,000 every 3 months if a child is disabled (up to £4,000 a year). If you get Tax-Free Childcare, you’ll set up an online childcare account for your child. For every £8 you pay into this account, the government will pay in £2 to use to pay your provider. You can get Tax-Free Childcare at the same time as 30 hours free childcare if you’re eligible for both.

Help to buy reusable nappies

At first, it can be expensive to buy the reusable nappies and that puts some parents off. BCP council be able to help you with the initial investment. You can get £30 off when you spend a minimum of £45 on reusable nappies or apply for a reusable nappy start up kit.

Healthy Start

If you’re pregnant or have children under the age of 4 you can get free vouchers or payments every 4 weeks to spend on:

• Cow’s milk
• Fresh, frozen or tinned fruit and vegetables
• Infant formula milk
• Fresh, dried, and tinned pulses

School Admissions

Applying for a school place

Find out about how to apply for a reception place within the BCP area.

Starting primary school

Starting a new school, or going to school for the first time is an exciting time time for children and their parents/carers, but it is a big change and can also be a little scary and overwhelming.

Safety and Well-being

Keeping Children Safe

Support and tips to help you keep children safe. From advice on children’s mental health to staying safe online, support for parents and what to do if you’re worried about a child.

Vitamins for children

The government recommends all children aged 6 months to 5 years are given vitamin supplements containing vitamins A, C and D every day.

Dental Health

A regular teeth-cleaning routine is essential for good dental health. From brushing their first tooth to their first trip to the dentist, find out how to take care of your children's teeth.