The Junior Investment Account from The Share Centre is available for children of all ages - there's no need for your child to qualify for the government's Child Trust Fund. So whilst the same tax advantages aren't available, there are no restrictions on how much you invest, or on where and when you invest.

Naturally, you'll want to make sure that investing in the stock market through a Junior Investment Account is the right thing for you to do. And at the same time you'll want to ensure your child's money grows effectively, balancing the risks of any particular type of investment with the returns that investing in it can bring.

Different types of investments bring different risks, and not all types of investments will be suitable for every investor. But all stock market investments can go up and down in price, as can their value and you may get back less than your initial investment. For many investments, the income they give you will vary too, although this won't be the case with fixed interest investments like some Bonds or Gilts. And for overseas shares you'll have to take into account currency changes too.

Getting that balance right depends on your aims and attitude to risk and we're here to help you do that with free advice and support.

The Junior Investment Account can operate either as a Trust that you control until your child reaches 18, or as a 'designated account': the differences between each are explained in the 'How it works' section. Of course, the precise value of any tax advantages will depend upon individual circumstances, and the basis on which they are applied and the level of the allowances can change. Whichever you choose, it means your child can now share in the potential of the stock market

Use the tabs above to find out more, including details about the options open to you and the costs of running the account.