Student Finance Childcare Grant
University students with children can receive up to 85% of their childcare costs paid by the government — and it doesn't need to be paid back.
How the Childcare Grant Helps You
The Childcare Grant is a government-funded, non-repayable grant available through Student Finance England to help undergraduate students with their childcare costs.
85% of Childcare Costs Covered
The government pays 85% of your childcare costs, up to £199.62 per week for one child or £342.24 per week for two or more children.
Designed for Student Parents
Available to full-time and part-time undergraduate students in England who have dependent children and meet the eligibility criteria.
Covers Holiday Camps
The Childcare Grant can be used for registered holiday clubs and play schemes — including School's Out Activities camps during school holidays.
You Don't Pay It Back
Unlike student loans, the Childcare Grant is a non-repayable grant. It's free money from the government to support your childcare costs while you study.
How Much Could You Save?
Here are some real-world examples based on our camp pricing to show how much the Childcare Grant could save you.
Example 1: One Child, One Week of Camp
You pay just £26.25 upfront. After camp, you approve the £148.75 claim in your CCGPS account.
Example 2: One Child, Full 4-Week Summer
A massive saving — you only need to find £105 for a full month of holiday camp.
Example 3: Two Children, One Week
Both children are covered under the same grant, subject to the weekly maximum.
Amounts shown are illustrative. Your actual grant amount depends on your household income and is subject to the weekly maximums set by Student Finance England (£199.62/week for one child, £342.24/week for two or more children for the 2025/26 and 2026/27 academic years).
Am I Eligible?
Most undergraduate student parents in England will qualify for at least some Childcare Grant. Here are the main eligibility criteria.
- You must be a full-time or part-time undergraduate student studying in England
- Your course must be eligible for student finance
- You must have at least one dependent child aged under 15 (or under 17 if the child has special educational needs)
- Your childcare provider must be Ofsted-registered (School's Out Activities is Ofsted registered at all venues)
- Your household income will be assessed — the grant is means-tested but most student parents qualify for a substantial amount
- You cannot claim a Childcare Grant if you or your partner are receiving Tax-Free Childcare or Universal Credit childcare element for the same child
How It Works — Step by Step
Follow these steps to use your Childcare Grant to pay for School's Out Activities camps.
Important: 15% Upfront Payment Required
The CCGPS system only allows claims to be submitted after the childcare has taken place. This means you'll need to pay 15% of the total cost upfront before the camp event. You can pay this via debit/credit card, bank transfer, or cash at registration. We will then claim the remaining 85% after camp.
Apply for Your Childcare Grant
Apply through Student Finance England as part of your student finance application. You can apply online at GOV.UK. If you're a continuing student, you can add the Childcare Grant to your existing application.
Visit GOV.UKLink Your Child to Our Provision
Once approved, you'll receive access to your CCGPS (Childcare Grant Payment Service) account. You must add School's Out Activities as a childcare provider using our CGPS reference number for the venue your child attends. You'll need to re-link every academic year as links expire.
Book Your Camp & Pay 15% Upfront
Book your child's camp as normal. You'll need to pay the remaining 15% of the total cost upfront before the camp event begins. You can pay this via debit/credit card, bank transfer, or cash at registration.
Attend Camp
Your child attends camp as normal. Our team will take great care of them while you focus on your studies!
We Submit the 85% Claim
After the camp event, we will submit a claim for the remaining 85% through the Childcare Grant Payment Service (CCGPS). You'll receive a notification in your CCGPS account to approve this payment.
Approve the Payment Promptly
Please approve the payment request in your CCGPS account as soon as possible. Once approved, the funds are paid directly to us and your booking is marked as fully paid. We really appreciate prompt approval so we can receive the funds quickly.
Our CGPS Reference Numbers
To link your child to our provision in your CCGPS account, you'll need the reference number for the venue your child will attend.
You Must Link Your Child Every Academic Year
Links between your child and our provision expire at the end of each academic year. You must re-link every academic year using the reference number below. Without an active link, we cannot submit claims and your booking cannot be completed through the Childcare Grant.
How to Pay Your 15%
The 15% upfront payment can be made using any of the following methods before the camp event starts.
Debit or Credit Card
Pay online via our secure checkout
Bank Transfer
Transfer directly to our bank account
Cash
Pay at registration on the first day
Childcare Vouchers
Use employer childcare vouchers
Ready to Apply?
Visit GOV.UK to apply for your Childcare Grant as part of your student finance application. If you have any questions about how it works with School's Out Activities, please don't hesitate to get in touch.