Tax-Free Childcare & Summer Holiday Survival Tips for Freelancers (UK)

In this episode of The Freelancer's Tea Break, I'm reflecting on my son nearing the end of primary school and sharing practical ways I've managed childcare while freelancing, especially over the long summer holidays.

I explain how UK tax-free childcare works (pay £8 in, get £2 topped up) and remind you it can help beyond nursery, including some after-school and summer clubs (depending on who accepts it).

I also talk about how things get easier as kids get older, and share other support options that have helped me, including help from family (while acknowledging it's a privilege), swapping childcare with friends, using outdoors clubs, and looking into workspaces that offer childcare or gyms with crèches.

I also stress the importance of balancing childcare with your partner and invite tips for the secondary school transition, especially for neurodivergent children.

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome and Life Update
00:31 Tax Free Childcare Basics
02:07 Summer Holiday Juggle
03:11 When Kids Get Older
05:02 Practical Support Options
05:23 Family Help and Privilege
07:08 Swaps With Friends
07:57 Workspaces With Childcare
09:15 Partnering and Sharing Load
10:13 Recap and Next Transition
11:16 Community Links and Goodbye

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Email: hello@emmacossey.com

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