The Family Information Service supports all families with their childcare needs including providing up-to-date information of availability of Ofsted Registered childcare. A childcare brokerage service is offered to anyone who is struggling to find childcare to meet their needs.
There's lots of options available when choosing childcare:
- childminders
- day nurseries
- nursery schools
- pre-schools and playgroups
- before and after school or 'out of school' care
- nannies and au pairs
- babysitting
Access further information about childcare options and search for local childcare providers.
Funded or reduced cost childcare
Find out more about:
- reducing the cost of childcare for children from 9 months old
- reducing the cost of childcare for children aged 2
- reducing the cost of childcare for 3- to 4-year-olds
Reducing the cost of childcare for children from 9 months old
From September 2025 the 15 hours for eligible working families will expand to 30 hours a week during term time (38 weeks per year) from the term after their child turns 9 months old. For further information and to find out if you're eligible, or to apply, visit Childcare Choices.
Reducing the cost of childcare for children aged 2
Families who receive additional government support could be eligible for up to 15 hours towards the cost of childcare per week (38 weeks per year), the term after their child turns 2. Additional government support includes but not exclusive to:
- the family being in receipt of certain benefits
- a household income below £16,200
- if the child has a disability or additional need and receives Disability Living Allowance
- families whose children have left care
- families with no recourse to public funds
If you think you might be eligible you can apply for 2 year funding or contact York Family Information Service by telephone: 01904 554444 or email: fis@york.gov.uk.
Working families, who do not receive additional government support may be eligible for up to 15 hours towards the cost of childcare per week (38 weeks per year), the term after their child turns 2. This will increase to 30 hours per week from September 2025.
Reducing the cost of childcare for 3- to 4-year-olds
All families are eligible to receive up to 15 hours towards the cost of childcare per week (38 weeks per year), the term after their child turns 3. This is a national offer for all families, therefore you do not need to apply.
Working families may be eligible to receive up to 30 hours funded childcare per week (38 weeks per year), the term after their child turns 3.
Visit Childcare Choices to find out if you're eligible and to apply.
Find advice on reducing your childcare bill.
Childcare for disabled children
All childcare should welcome and include disabled children, however some childcare settings provide specialist services for them.
For more information about childcare choices for children with SEN and disabilities visit the SEND Local Offer.
Children's centres
Children's centres are places where families with can go and join in groups and receive support.