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 Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: [email protected]  Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz Order my book: The Freelance Lifestyle: Your Friendly Guide to Starting a Freelance Business