The introduction of the government's Tax-Free Childcare scheme began on 21st April for parents of children under 4 and disabled children under 17. It will be gradually rolled out over 2017 by the age of the child and by the end of the year all eligible parents will be able to receive support.

Tax-Free Childcare will eventually replace the exisiting "childcare voucher" scheme, Employer-Supported Childcare. Employer-Supported Childcare will remain open to new entrants until April 2018, to support transition between the two schemes. Parents who wish to continue using childcare vouchers following April 2018 will be able to, while their current employer continues to offer the voucher scheme. 

To help parents with their childcare decisions, the government has developed the Childcare Choices website where they can find out about the available government support in one place. On the website there is a calculator where parents will be able to weigh up which offer is best for them. www.childcarechoices.gov.uk