Childcare grant offered exclusively to care workers

A new childcare costs grant up to the value of £2,000 has been launched exclusively for care workers.

The childcare costs grants are available from the Care Workers Charity (CWC), as part of the charity's Coronavirus Emergency Fund launched in March for care workers financially hit by the pandemic.

The grants can be used retrospectively covering childcare costs from 23 March up to the value of £2,000.

- Care workers can apply for childcare costs for children up to five years for up to £125 per week.

- They can apply for childcare costs for a childminder for six to twelve-year olds during term time – up to the value of £70 per week.

- Care workers can apply for holiday childcare costs up to the value of £150 per week.

Karolina Gerlich, executive director at the CWC, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer this new grant, which we know will be a lifeline to so many care workers who have struggled to juggle the demands of their work and families.

"We are hoping this new support will go some way to help make up for the considerable sacrifices many care workers have made, and all at their own cost.”

Care workers will be requested to provide at least two of the three documents listed below as evidence:

a. Birth Certificate or UK Adoption Certificate or School Certificate of child/children (CWC can give support for up to two children per household), including for Children with Special Education Needs (SEN).

b. Letter from current employer to prove care worker is currently in paid employment and uses childcare.

c. Letter of support from other agencies (including government) to prove childcare responsibilities and costs.

The CWC states on its website: 'We will deal with applications on a case by case basis and till funds last'.

To apply for a grant click here .

To find out about jobs in the care sector near you click here