If you are the sole carer of a child/children under 5 years old, the Home Office can now provide free childcare while you attend your substantive asylum interview.

While in the interview, your children will play safely in a playroom on site or in a nearby nursery, supervised by fully trained and accredited child carers. The service is free, but you will need to bring any snacks and medication your child may need with you.

How to apply

Your invitation to interview letter will ask if you would like to use the childcare facilities. Make it clear that you would like to use the facilities at least two days in advance of your interview date. You will be given a telephone number to call and you will be asked to provide the following details:

• Your Home Office reference number
• Your full name, date of birth, nationality and present address
• Full name(s) of your child/children, date(s) of birth, nationality
• Any medical/mobility issues your child has

The child care initiative was campaigned for by refugee groups and organisation to enable parents to concentrate during their interview and give a full account of what has happened to them.