Don't forget the government does offer a variety of ways for you to re-cover your child care fees.

 

Local Authority Funding

All children are eligible from 3 years of age to a free place in a state nursery.  This usually comes in the form of a 2 hour place either in the morning or in the afternoon. Total of 10 hours per week.
Having placed your child in a private nursery for whatever your reason may be, your child will be missing out on that place.  So the government decided that as long as we provide a recognised standard of education, which we do, (that's why we promote being a Registered Provider of Education) they will subsidise your child's place here with the equivalent value.
Your child must however attend a minimum of 3 times per week.
Example ; If your child attends
Three times you will be reimbursed to the value of £61.80 per month
Four times you will be reimbursed to the value of £82.40 per month
Five times you will be reimbursed to the value of £103.00 per month.
This money is only issued three times a year (its in relation to the school term) and never on a fixed date.  The figure above simply shows how it works out on a monthly basis.  The council give us the money and we transfer it straight back to you as soon as we get it.  All you have to do is provide us with your Child's birth certificate, which we will ask for when his/her third birthday is looming, and we do the rest.

Tax Credits

You can claim two tax credits, Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit.  The general rule is that to qualify for tax credits, you must be 16 or over and live in the UK.  There is also a childcare element of Working Tax credit which will help towards the cost of childcare.  To find out if you are eligible for either contact 0845 300 3900 or go on-line.
It is paid directly to you and can take some time to arrange.  Please bear this in mind if you are banking on this money as we will still expect your bill to be paid when your child starts and/or at the first of the month.

 

College Grants

When returning to college, sometimes there are opportunities to claim a grant towards childcare. You will need to speak to the college/job centre about this.  If your bill is to be paid by the college/job centre, we will need this is writing from whoever is going to pay the bill. Until this is done, we will expect you to commence payment.

 

Childcare Vouchers

Did you know that the amount of money you spend on childcare per month, (up to a maximum of £243.00), can be deducted from your monthly wage without tax being taken from it. Let me explain :-
If you opt to pay for your childcare with these vouchers, all you need to do is inform your employer. Your employer will then issue a voucher for £243 or less and the remaining amount will be paid to you as normal before the tax has been deducted.
For Example:-
If your wages are £500 per month, £243 or less is tax free, leaving only £157 to be tax deductable.
You then pass this voucher onto the nursery, that amount will then be deducted from your bill.