Frequently Asked Questions

We accept payments through: Tax-Free Childcare Childcare Vouchers (for existing users) Universal Credit for Childcare 15/30 Hours Funded Early Education for 3- and 4-Year-Olds Funded Early Education for 9-month-olds and 2-Year-Olds Bank Transfer (for private fees and additional hours) Student Finance Childcare Grant

You can apply online at www.childcarechoices.gov.uk. Once approved, you can use your Tax-Free Childcare account to make payments directly to us.

Yes, if you were enrolled in the Childcare Voucher Scheme before it closed to new applicants in October 2018, you can still use them. We accept vouchers from providers such as Edenred, Sodexo, Care-4, Computershare, Fideliti, and Kiddivouchers.

Yes. Universal Credit may cover up to 85% of your childcare costs. You will need to pay for your childcare first and then submit proof of payment to claim reimbursement. More details are available at www.gov.uk/universal-credit.

Funded Early Education allows eligible families to receive 15 or 30 hours of funded childcare per week for 38 weeks of the year. This includes: 15 hours for 9-month-olds and 2-year-olds (for eligible families). Universal 15 hours for all 3- and 4-year-olds. An additional 15 hours for working parents of 3- and 4-year-olds (bringing the total to 30 hours per week). Check eligibility and apply at www.childcarechoices.gov.uk.

If your child becomes eligible, you need to apply before the following deadlines: Spring Term (January start): Apply by 30th November Summer Term (April start): Apply by 28th February Autumn Term (September start): Apply by 31st July

Yes. You must reconfirm your eligibility every three months via your Childcare Choices account to continue receiving the funded hours.

If you require flexibility with payments, please speak with our team. We are happy to discuss your options and support you where possible.

Yes. All meals and snacks are complimentary when contributing towards Extras and Essentials or paying for private spaces.

Yes, depending on eligibility. For example, you can use Tax-Free Childcare alongside Funded Early Education to help cover additional childcare costs.

Funded Early Education covers the core costs of early education. However, Extras and Essentials is a very small voluntary charge that helps cover additional experiences, outings, and essential items such as nappies, wipes, and sun cream.

Yes. We accept bank transfers for private fee-paying parents or those utilising additional services in addition to their funded hours. Payment details will be provided upon registration.

No. We require families to use their full funded entitlement with Chafford Tots to Teens.

No. If you are accessing a fully funded space, we do not charge a registration fee or require a top-up fee to cover the difference between our standard fees and local authority funding.

If you are in higher education, you can apply for a Childcare Grant through Student Finance. The grant covers up to 85% of childcare costs. Apply online at www.gov.uk/childcare-grant .

If your working status, income, or family situation changes, this may affect your eligibility for Funded Early Education, Universal Credit, or Tax-Free Childcare. Please notify us as soon as possible and check your status with the relevant government department.

For any payment-related queries, please contact us via: 📧 Email: admin@chafford-childcare.co.uk 📞 Phone: 01375 480 655 📍 Visit Us: 1A Lakeside Business Village, Fleming Road, Chafford Hundred, Essex, RM16 6EW