Some working parents can get help towards the cost of childcare. The Working Families fill you in

If you receive Working Tax Credit (WTC) you may also be able to claim childcare tax credit. You'll qualify for help with childcare costs if:

• you're a single parent working at least 16 hours a week, or live as a couple where each of you works at least 16 hours a week or one of you is disabled, and
• you pay for registered childcare (e.g. a childminder, nursery, playscheme or out-of-school club) and

The most you will be able to claim is 80 per cent of your childcare costs, up to a maximum of £175 for one child or £300 if you pay for childcare for more than one child. How much you actually receive depends on your income. For an estimate call Working Families helpline on 0800 013 0313.

If your employer has a childcare voucher scheme you can make a saving on tax and National Insurance by receiving some of your wages in the form of childcare vouchers. However this affects your Tax Credit entitlement, so you should take advice first.