Families across Northern Ireland whose children are due to start primary school this September are being reminded by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) that they can utilise the Tax-Free Childcare scheme to save significantly on wraparound childcare and holiday club expenses.

As many working parents begin to arrange childcare for before and after school hours, the scheme offers financial support of up to £2,000 per child per year, or up to £4,000 if the child has a disability.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit GOV.UK to check their eligibility and register for Tax-Free Childcare.

Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, said: "Through our Plan for Change, we are putting more money into the pockets of working people, worth up to £2,000 per year through Tax-Free Childcare. This will make it easier for parents to get back into work as we go further and faster to grow the economy."

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, added: “Starting school can be an expensive time, there’s a lot to buy and there’s also a lot to organise. Now you know where your child is going to school you can start organising your childcare and Tax-Free Childcare can help make the costs more manageable. Sign up to start saving today on GOV.UK.” Tax-Free Childcare can be applied to any approved childcare provider, allowing parents flexibility in arranging care that suits their needs, whether it's wraparound services, childminders, after-school clubs, or school holiday programmes.

The scheme is available for children aged 11 or under, or up to 16 if the child has a disability. For every £8 paid into a Tax-Free Childcare account, the government contributes an additional £2. This means parents can receive up to £500 every three months (or £1,000 if their child is disabled) to help cover childcare costs.

Once an account is set up, parents can deposit funds and use them immediately or save them for when they are needed. Any unused money in the account can be withdrawn at any time.

Eligibility for Tax-Free Childcare generally applies if:

• You have a child or children aged 11 or under (eligibility ceases on 1st September after their 11th birthday, or 1st September after their 16th birthday if the child has a disability).

• You and your partner (if applicable) each earn, or expect to earn, at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week on average.

• Neither you nor your partner earns more than £100,000 per annum.

• You do not receive Universal Credit or childcare vouchers.

A comprehensive list of eligibility criteria is available on the GOV.UK website. Tax-Free Childcare can also be used in conjunction with any free childcare hours for which families are eligible.