September 3, 2026

MOD ‘UK Nursery Authority’ childcare support: How to register and claim

From 1 September 2026, eligible working Service families who live in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland can get help with early years childcare costs.

If you would get 'free' (Government funded) childcare hours if based in England, Defence’s UK Nursery Authority (UKNA) childcare scheme will now help cover the difference in cost where you live.

It’s important to understand that UKNA does not give you a childcare space. It pays back money to eligible families who have already paid for early years childcare.

Who is eligible for UKNA

You may register for UKNA, if all the following apply:
  • You are a Regular or Full-Time Reserve (Full Commitment) member of the Service
  • Your family lives in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland
  • Both parents (or the sole parent in a single-parent family) earn at least the same as 16 hours a week at the UK National Minimum or Living Wage
  • Neither parent (or the sole parent) earns more than £100,000 adjusted net income a year
  • Your child is recorded and verified on JPA
  • Your child is aged 9 months to 3 years old, in Scotland and Wales ​
  • Your child is aged 9 months to 4 years old, in Northern Ireland
  • You have an active Tax-Free Childcare (TFC) account for your child: ‘active’ means you confirm your details every three months and get the top-up from HMRC when you add money
  • Your childcare provider accepts TFC payments – all UKNA claims must first be paid through your child's TFC account
  • Your child lives with you at least half the time, unless you're separated for Service reasons
How to register and claim

Bovington: Garrison jobs

 



Search for full & part time vacancies at Bovington, Lulworth & Blandford Camp, HERE
(Use the search filters to refine location, contract, job type etc). Please note where it states Wareham this may indicate Bovington Camp. 
  • Customer/food service assistants
  • Cleaners
  • Supervisors
  • Department managers
  • Facilities operatives
  • Chefs/catering roles
  • Mess (Accommodation) Stewards

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Blandford: Garrison job vacancies

 



Search for full & part time vacancies HERE for Blandford, Bovington & Lulworth
Use the search filter to refine role, contract hours etc or type Blandford Camp in Where, box for specific jobs on the Garrison.

Customer/food service assistants
Cleaners
Supervisors
Department managers
Facilities operatives
Chefs/catering roles
Mess (Accommodation) Stewards

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Dorset: Blandford Job centre information



Find out about job vacancies in the Blandford area and also get advice on CVs and job interview tips

Blandford job centre can also administer claims - Jobseekers Allowance, Incapacity Benefit, Employment and Support Allowance and Income Support.

Click HERE for more information.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Dorset: Local area job opportunities


If you are looking for employment in your local area click HERE

Once the site opens on your screen, use the filter boxes on the search engines to refine your search for specific roles, location, salary etc.


Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Blandford: Autumn baby & young children sessions and sensory tent experience

 

Click on posters above to enlarge.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Bovington: Are you due to move to Bovington, Lulworth or Blandford?



Are you (or someone you know) due to be posted to Bovington, Lulworth or Blandford soon?
If so contact Bovington HIVE to request pre-arrival information.

Email: RC-Pers-HIVE-Bovington-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Core information sheets are available from the HIVE and contain useful information on accommodation,employment,health & wellbeing, finance, childcare,schools & adult education as well as location overview of community amenities, facilities and activities etc. There is also help with general queries regarding the local area.

Bovington HIVE can also provide you with information sheets on other locations across the UK and overseas. Please call in to speak to the HIVE information officer or use the contact details above.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

September 2, 2026

Lyneham: Welcome and information event - Wed 9 Sep 1500-1700

 

Please email rc-pers-hive-lyneham-0mailbox@mod.gov.uk for further information

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Colchester: Garrison Community Action Plan - Wednesday 30th September 2026

 



Information Provided by EAST Hub

Catterick: North Yorkshire Military Family Welcome Day - Have you just arrived into the area? Join us on 17th Sept




Got a military connection? New to North Yorkshire? Whether you just unpacked your final box or you’re still hunting for the local shortcuts, we’ve got your back!
Join the us for a relaxed drop-in morning designed entirely for newly arrived military spouses, partners and families. A One-Stop Shop to connect with local families and brilliant services.

Come grab a cuppa, meet other families navigating the same move, and discover all the local services, groups, and support networks available to you in your new patch.

Where: North HIVE Hub, Catterick Garrison

When: 17 September | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

The Best Bits: FREE tea, coffee, parking and books (ages 0-18)! Collect your FREE guide to the "First 30 Days in North Yorkshire"

No need to book, just wander in whenever you can. Children are very welcome!

A collaborative event with: Settling in Service, North HIVE Hub , Home-Start, and Reading Force

Information About Each Service Involved

Reading Force

New posting, new school, new routine? Reading Force helps military families settle in, make connections, and feel at home through the power of shared reading. Pick up free books (ages 0-18) and family activities and discover welcoming book clubs where new arrivals can meet people, make friends, and build a local support network. Because every new chapter is easier when you don't face it alone.

Home-Start Richmondshire

Being a parent has never been easy. It can be lonely, frustrating and overwhelming. All parents struggle at one time or another. You are not alone. Home-Start Richmondshire believe families can solve challenges themselves, sometimes they just need someone to listen, to encourage and to believe in them.

Army HIVE

Army HIVE delivers information support for the whole military community on a wide variety of topics affecting everyday service and personal life. The service is free and available wherever you are. HIVE staff can research information on your behalf and are able to provide confidential signposting to further sources of support. Come along and meet your local HIVE Information Support Officer