Question 1

What childcare payment options do you accept?

Accepted Answer

You can pay using a range of options, depending on your eligibility and how your childcare is funded. We accept Tax-Free Childcare, Childcare Vouchers for existing users, Universal Credit for Childcare, 15/30 Hours Funded Early Education, Funded Early Education for 9-month-olds and 2-year-olds, bank transfer for private fees or additional hours, and the Student Finance Childcare Grant.

Question 2

How do you set up Tax-Free Childcare with us?

Accepted Answer

You can apply online at www.childcarechoices.gov.uk. Once your Tax-Free Childcare account is approved, you can use it to pay us directly. If you’re not sure whether you’re eligible, the Childcare Choices website explains everything clearly.

Question 3

Can I use Childcare Vouchers?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

Can Universal Credit help with your childcare fees?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Universal Credit may help towards up to 85% of your childcare costs. You’ll usually need to pay your childcare fees first, then submit proof of payment to claim back the eligible amount. For full guidance, visit www.gov.uk/universal-credit.

Question 5

What is Funded Early Education, and how do I know if I qualify?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

What are the deadlines for applying for funded childcare?

Accepted Answer

If your child becomes eligible, please apply before these deadlines so your funding can start on time: Spring Term (January start): 30th November Summer Term (April start): 28th February Autumn Term (September start): 31st July

Question 7

Do I have to renew my 15/30 Hours Funded Early Education eligibility?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

Do you offer flexible payment plans?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

Are meals and snacks included?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 10

Can I use multiple funding options together?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 11

Will you need to pay anything extra with funded hours?

Accepted Answer

Funded Early Education covers your child’s core funded hours. We also ask for a small voluntary Extras and Essentials contribution, which helps cover things like outings, extra experiences and essential items such as nappies, wipes and sun cream. We’ll always explain any charges clearly before you join us.

Question 12

Can I pay using bank transfer?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

Can I split my Funded Early Education hours across multiple providers?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 14

Do you charge a registration fee?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

How do you apply for the Student Finance Childcare Grant?

Accepted Answer

If you’re in higher education, you may be eligible for a Childcare Grant through Student Finance. It can help with up to 85% of your childcare costs. You can apply online at www.gov.uk/childcare-grant. If you’d like to talk through whether this could support your family, our team is here to help.

Question 16

What happens if my circumstances change?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

Who should I contact if I have questions about payments?

Accepted Answer

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

01375 480655

info@chafford-childcare.co.uk

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