Childcare vouchers now have a very important part to play in the everyday lives of working families. At last, there has been a true and genuine incentive introduced which generates substantial cash savings for each working parent.
The employer plays a very important part in the childcare voucher process, and the introduction and successful operation of a childcare scheme provides employers with an instant staff retention tool.
Welcome to the section dedicated to the childcarer. You will find here guidance from HMRC about childcare vouchers, and some more detailed notes about the scheme in general.
Introduced in April 2005, the child care voucher scheme was devised by the government in order to encourage parents to return to work. The scheme is offered by employers, who allow participating staff members to sacrifice a certain amount of their salary per week or month; capped at £55 per week or £243.00 per month. In exchange for this salary, they receive vouchers which can then be used to help pay for child care costs.
How can I take part?
In order to be able to accept the child care vouchers from your clients, you must be registered with the relevant body in your area. For child care providers in England, this is Ofsted; for Scotland, the Care Commission; for Wales, The Care Standards Inspectorate and for Northern Ireland, the Local Health and Social Services Trusts. In order to redeem vouchers, the scheme administrator must have proof of your registration.
What will it cost me?
As long as you are registered, it should not cost you anything at all to take part in the scheme. The administration costs are covered by your parent's employer, and when you redeem your vouchers, the money is paid directly into your bank account.
What are the benefits to me?
If you accept child care vouchers, you are widening your appeal to prospective clients. Companies are increasingly providing this benefit to their employees, and so more parents will be looking for providers that will accept the vouchers. Advertising that you can accept the vouchers could increase your business.
Can I join at any time?
As long as you are registered, you can choose to accept vouchers at any time. There are a number of companies that act as administrators for child care voucher schemes, and all you need to do is register with the ones that supply vouchers to your parents. You may end up dealing with four or five different companies, but once you have provided your registration details and your bank accounts, redeeming vouchers from a variety of sources should be straightforward.
If you have any queries at all please call us on 020 8763 8039 or email
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The introduction of childcare vouchers provides a genuine cash saving for working parents, and Fennies Vouchers would like to ensure that the experience of using childcare vouchers is quick and simple, and does not add an unnecessary administrative burden to the already busy lives of the working family.
