Ways to help save you money on your childcare costs
Think2 Funding
Some families may be eligible for a funded 2 year old place if they meet certain criteria – please click on this link for more information:
https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Children-and-early-years/Childcare/think2/fundedplacesfortwoyearolds.aspx
At Tom Thumb we offer this in 2 different ways:
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Up to 15 hours per week during Staffordshire term times only for 38 weeks of the year.
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Up to 12 hours per week for the full 48 weeks that we are open.
Funded hours are taken between 9am -3pm – hours outside these times are charged at normal nursery rates.
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3 & 4 Year Old Funding
All 3 and 4 year olds are entitled to 15 hours funded nursery education.
Some families will be eligible to claim up to 30 hours. At Tom Thumb we offer this in 2 different ways:
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Up to 30 hours per week during Staffordshire term times only for 38 weeks of the year.
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Up to 24 hours per week for the full 48 weeks that we are open.
Funded hours are taken between 9am -3pm – hours outside these times are charged at normal nursery rates.
Eligibility
Your eligibility depends on:
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if you are working
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your income (and your partner’s income, if you have one)
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your child’s age and circumstances
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your immigration status
You can get 30 hours free childcare at the same time as claiming Universal Credit, tax credits, childcare vouchers or Tax-Free Childcare.
If you are working
You can usually get 30 hours free childcare if you (and your partner, if you have one) are:
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in work
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on sick leave or annual leave
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on shared parental, maternity, paternity or adoption leave
If you’re on adoption leave for a child aged 3 to 4 years old, you must return to work within 31 days of the date you first apply for 30 hours free childcare for that child.
Your income
You’ll need to expect to earn a certain amount over the next 3 months. This is at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week on average.
When to apply
You can apply from when your child is 2 years and 36 weeks old.
When your child turns 3 |
When they can get 30 hours from |
Recommended time to apply |
|---|---|---|
1 September to 31 December |
Term starting on or after 1 January |
15 October to 30 November |
1 January to 31 March |
Term starting on or after 1 April |
15 January to 28 February |
1 April to 31 August |
Term starting on or after 1 September |
15 June to 31 July |
To check your eligibility you can apply via this link:
Apply for 30 hours free childcare – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
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Tax Free Childcare
What is the scheme?
Tax-Free Childcare is a scheme which gives eligible families up to £2,000 free per child towards childcare costs.
You may be able to open a new online childcare account via www.childcarechoices.gov.uk which for every £8 you pay into, the government will pay in an extra £2 (up to £2,000), so it effectively gives you basic-rate tax back on what you pay, hence the scheme’s name.
Am I entitled?
To qualify, parents must be working. Tax-free childcare can’t be used at the same time as childcare vouchers, Universal Credit or tax credits. However, 30 hours free childcare can be received alongside this.
You’re usually eligible if your child is under 12 (17 if disabled) and all of the following apply to you (and/or partner):
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are 16 or over
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are over 21 and earn on average at least £120 a week, unless in your first year of self-employment
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earn less than £100,000 a year each
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don’t get other support with your childcare, including from a childcare voucher or salary sacrifice scheme
How to apply
You can apply for tax-free childcare at www.childcarechoices.gov.uk. You will need to provide your email address and your child’s date of birth.
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