Help with Childcare Costs

Childcare costs can be difficult to cover, especially in the current climate. However, there are several government schemes and funding options that could significantly reduce the amount you're paying each month. You may be eligible for part or full funding for your child's care. Read on to find out more.

Childcare Vouchers

Our nursery accepts childcare vouchers. This is a scheme offered by some employers to help working parents save on registered childcare costs. It saves on National Insurance, as the amount is deducted from your gross salary before tax.

Tax Credits

Most families are eligible for financial assistance through Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit, based on their circumstances. These schemes help working families with childcare costs. For more information on current childcare legislation and how to claim benefits you're entitled to, visit the HMRC website.

Government Funding Options

15-Hour Funding for Two-Year-Olds

Some children are eligible to receive two-year-old funding for 15 hours per week for 38 weeks of the year. If you are eligible, you will be issued with a 6-character code, which you will need to give to the nursery. The nursery will check the code to confirm your eligibility. Codes must be issued and verified before a two-year-old funding space can be offered.

Universal 15-Hour Funding (3 and 4 Year Olds)

Every child who lives in England is entitled to Universal funding from the term after their 3rd birthday. This is commonly known as "15 hours" and nurseries are entitled to claim this funding for 38 weeks of the year (term times). This equates to 570 hours per year. No eligibility code is required, just proof of your child's date of birth.

Your child can access this funding the term after their third birthday. To clarify:

• Child turning 3 between January and March can access funding from April
• Child turning 3 between April and August can access funding from September
• Child turning 3 between September and December can access funding from January

(This applies until he or she reaches compulsory school age)

Extended 30-Hour Funding

If you meet certain criteria, such as you are a family working over 16 hours per week, earning under £100,000 per annum and living in England, your child may also be entitled to Extended funding from the term after their 3rd birthday. This is often referred to as "30 hours" and over the 38 weeks of the year (term times) equates to 1,140 hours.

How Can I Check if I'm Eligible?

An eligibility code will be required for 30-hour funding. If you wish to apply for a code and to check your eligibility, you will need to set up a childcare account at www.gov.uk.

You will need your personal details (and your partner's, if applicable), including your:

National Insurance number

Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR), if you are self-employed

It usually takes 20 minutes to apply. You may find out if you're eligible straight away, but it can take up to 7 days.

You will then need to provide Bluebells Nursery with your 11-digit eligibility code, NI number and child's date of birth in order for us to be able to claim the Extended funding for your child.

Using 15 and 30-Hour Funding at Bluebells

There are rules around how 15-hour and 30-hour funding can be applied, so you can expect to pay for any additional hours that your child attends the nursery, as well as for meals, drinks, nappies, trips, and any other consumables.

Important Dates for 15-Hour and 30-Hour Funding

• From April 2024: Up to 15 hours for eligible working families in England with a 2-year-old
• From September 2024: Up to 15 hours for eligible working families in England with a child between 9 and 23 months
• From September 2025: Up to 30 hours for eligible working families in England with a child from 9 months old up to school age

Details are still being finalised by the Government and local authorities.

Helpful Links

Childcare Choices: https://childcarechoices.gov.uk

HMRC Tax Credits: www.hmrc.gov.uk/TAXCREDITS/ (current childcare legislation and how to claim benefits you are entitled to)

Further Information: www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits/start/who-qualifies/children/short-periods.htm (details of the Government's childcare voucher scheme)