Help with Childcare Costs If you are on certain benefits, your 2 year old could get 15 hours free early learning each week during term-time at a nursery or with a childminder. All 3 and 4 year olds get 15 hours free during term-time and if you are working, you could get an additional 15 hours free. Islington Council subsidises childcare at a range of nurseries so that your childcare fees will depend on household income, how many hours of childcare you need, the age of your child and whether or not you live in Islington. In Islington, for people just starting work or people in training which will lead to work, the Childcare Bursary could provide short-term support. The Family Information Service (FIS) provides information and advice about free early learning and paying for childcare. You can phone the FIS on 020 7527 5959, or email here. Childcare Choices, provides a helpful summary of government paying for childcare options, including Tax-Free Childcare, Universal Credit for Childcare and 30 hours free childcare. If you are working and on Universal Credit you could apply for the Flexible Support Fund for a one-off payment to help you with your childcare costs. Ask your Jobcentre Plus job coach for more information. Manage Cookie Preferences