A new Defence scheme to increase support for forces families with young children will be rolled out across Wales from September 2026.
The UK Government says the move will save forces families living in Wales up to £6,000 per year for each child.
It will be delivered through the Ministry of Defence’s existing Early Years childcare reimbursement scheme and will ensure that eligible working UK Armed Forces families receive the same Government funded childcare support as forces families in England.
The scheme, which is also being rolled out in Scotland and Northern Ireland, was announced by Defence Secretary John Healey MP on a visit to meet families at Dreghorn Barracks, Edinburgh.
The early years childcare offer currently differs in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to that available to UK Armed Forces families in England and overseas. The UK Government will provide a reimbursement of childcare costs for eligible working UK Armed Forces families with children aged nine months until they reach three years old in Scotland and Wales, and from nine months to four years in Northern Ireland.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:
“Our Armed Forces families are at the heart of our nation's security. With demands on defence rising, from the conflict in the Middle East to growing Russian aggression, we are asking more of our military, and it is right that we continue to step up our support for them.
“This transformative offer will ensure more military families get the childcare support they need, no matter where they are posted.
“We are making good on our promise to Armed Forces families – supporting them as they support our dedicated military personnel defending the UK and our allies. Our message to the Armed Forces community is clear: this government is on your side.”
Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said:
“Our service families in Wales make huge sacrifices and deserve the best possible support.
“They make a vital contribution to the Welsh economy as well as to our national security. In return this UK Government is delivering for our servicepeople and their families with better housing and help with childcare costs.”
Through the new scheme, MOD will reimburse the difference in early years childcare costs for eligible working families. The scheme is aimed at working families, where both parents are employed and meet the income thresholds required to access an active Tax-Free Childcare account.
