Question 1

How can I pay for my childcare fees?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 2

How do I apply for Tax-Free Childcare?

Accepted Answer

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.

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 I use Universal Credit to help with childcare costs?

Accepted Answer

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.

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

When do I need to apply for my Funded Early Education?

Accepted Answer

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

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

No. We don't provide meals or snacks but encourage you to send your child with a nutritious packed lunch which they will be given time to eat during their session.

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

Do I need to pay anything extra when using Funded Early Education?

Accepted Answer

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.

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 I claim Student Finance Childcare Grant?

Accepted Answer

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 .

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

07832 976161

info@riverside-preschool.co.uk

Frequently Asked Questions