The following organisations can provide some advice and information about help with childcare costs and other benefits.
Daycare Trust
Information line: 020 7840 3350
Website: www.daycaretrust.org.uk
Provides information about childcare issues and funding for childcare.
Benefits Enquiry Line
Helpline: 0800 882 200
Provides information on benefits for disabled people and their carers.
Childcare Approval Scheme
Helpline: 0845 767 8111
Website: www.childcareapprovalscheme.co.uk
Provides information about the voluntary approval scheme for childcare providers who are not registered and regulated.
Childcare Link
Helpline: 0800 234 6346
Website: www.childcarelink.gov.uk
Provides information about different childcare options and can give contact details for local Children’s Information Services.
Connexions
Advice line: 0808 001 3219
Website: www.connexions.gov.uk
Provides advice, guidance and support on a range of issues to young people aged 13–19 (24 if they have special educational needs).
Contact a Family
Helpline: 0800 808 3555
Website: www.cafamily.org.uk
Provides information, advice and support to families of disabled children.
Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) Student Helpline
Tel: 0800 731 9133
Website: www.dcsf.gov.uk
Provides information about Student Support.
Disabled Information and Advice Line (DIAL UK)
Tel: 01302 310 123
Website: www.dialuk.info
National network of advice agencies for people with disabilities.
Disability Alliance
Tel: 020 7247 8776
Website: www.disabilityalliance.org
Provides information and advice about benefits and other financial entitlements to people with disabilities, their carers and families.
Family Fund Trust
Tel: 01904 621 115
Website: www.familyfundtrust.org.uk
Provides grants to families with severely disabled or seriously ill children.
HM Revenue & Customs
Tax Credits Helpline: 0845 300 3900
Website: www.hmrc.gov.uk/childcare
Provide information and advice on tax benefits for parents.
Jobcentre Plus
Website: www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk
Provides information about a range of benefits and government schemes.
Learn Direct
Helpline: 0800 100 900
Website: www.learndirect.co.uk
The national learning advice line. Can provide information about funding for students.
Learning & Skills Council
Helpline: 0870 900 6800
Website: www.lsc.gov.uk
Responsible for all post-16 education and training.
New Deal
Helpline: 0845 606 2626
Website: www.newdeal.gov.uk
Provides information about the New Deal programmes.
Pre-school Learning Alliance
Tel: 020 7697 2500
Website: www.pre-school.org.uk
Provides information about pre-schools.
National Childminding Association
Tel: 0845 880 0044
Website: www.ncma.org.uk
Provides general information about childminding and can advise parents about contracts and other issues relating to using childminders.
National Day Nurseries Association
Tel: 01484 407070
Website: www.ndna.org.uk
Provides information about day nurseries and can respond to parents queries about issues they may have with nurseries.
NHS Student Grants
Tel: 0845 358 6655
Website: www.nhsstudentgrants.co.uk
Provide information for the Student Grants Unit who administer the NHS Bursary Scheme.
Student Finance Direct
Tel: 08456 077 577
Website: www.studentsupportdirect.co.uk
Provides services and information for those in England who are interested in financial support for students in Higher Education.
Sure Start
Helpline: 0870 0002288 (DCSF Public Enquiry Unit)
Website: www.surestart.gov.uk
Provides information about local Sure Start programmes and Children’s Centres, as well as other childcare-related issues.
Waving not drowning network
Helpline: 020 7253 7243 (Wed, Thu, Fri)
A network of parents of children with disabilities who work or want to work, run by Working Families.