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What is CAP?

CAP gives parents in London access to cheaper childcare for children under five. So while your children are being looked after in a safe, stimulating environment, you can free up your time to further your career or return to work.

Types of childcare with CAP

There are lots of different types of childcare on offer, so you’re sure to find one to suit you. These include:

• flexible childcare places available at times to suit your needs and at an affordable hourly rate
• full daycare places costing you no more than £175 a week
• if your child is between three and four years old the cost of daycare may be even less

All childcare providers used in CAP are registered, so you’ll know your children are being looked after in a safe and secure environment.

Who is eligible?

To qualify for a CAP funded place, you must:

• have at least one child aged five or under
• qualify for Child Tax Credit at a higher rate than the family element (more than £545 per year)
• be able to provide evidence of this to a childcare provider by showing them your annual tax credit award letter from Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs

Don’t forget all three and four year olds are entitled to free early education places whatever your circumstances. To find out if you are eligible for CAP, or for information about the free early education places for three and four year olds, contact your local London Children’s Information Service on 0800 2 346 346.

Extra help with Working Tax Credits

If you’re already getting, or are eligible for tax credits, you may be able to get additional help for your childcare costs through the childcare element of Working Tax Credit.

To find out if you are eligible to receive tax credits contact the Tax Credit helpline on 0845 300 3900 or go to the Working Tax Credit page linked below.