Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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 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.

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, 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

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 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.

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’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.

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