Childcare
Childcare scheme and self sacrifice scheme
Update: childcare vouchers deadline has been extended
The cut-off date to join the Childcare Vouchers Scheme has been extended by the government until 6 October 2018. We strongly encourage employees to review their long term childcare needs and keep your options open - sign up to Childcare Vouchers today!
If you haven’t yet decided which childcare scheme is best for your family, don’t worry. We have all the information you need to help you make an informed decision.
There are currently two schemes to help parents with the rising cost of childcare:
- Tax-Free Childcare (TFC): Government Supported
- Childcare Voucher Scheme: Employer Supported
To find out more about which scheme may be most suited to your family by watching this video.
Parents who are eligible, can also benefit from 30 hours free childcare (for 3 and 4 year olds) that can be used alongside both schemes.
What are Childcare Vouchers?
Childcare vouchers are a Government initiative, allowing working parents or guardians to save money on childcare costs, up until your child is 15 (16 if registered as disabled).
How does it work?
Childcare Vouchers are taken from your salary before tax and National Insurance deductions have been made. Once you have set up a childcare voucher account, your employer will order your vouchers through payroll each month, which will then appear in the account, where you can then pay your child care provider.
What is Tax-Free Childcare? (TFC)
Parents have an online account and each quarter they must confirm their eligibility. The account will be topped up by the Government with 20p for every 80p contribution by parents or family members, up to a maximum of £2,000 per child per year.
Remember, as a rule of thumb TFC is better if your childcare cost is over £9,330 (for a basic tax payer) and £6,252 (for a higher tax payer), so ensure you check how much you spend and the saving you make under both schemes.
Keep your options open and think about the long term, sign up for Childcare Vouchers today.
Sodexo have produced some information sheets and a brochure to help inform your choices.
If you have any questions about Childcare Vouchers, please contact the Sodexo Team on 0800 328 7411 or email customercare.engage.uk@sodexo.com and they will be happy to help.
Alternatively, if you require information on Tax-Free Childcare please visit Childcarechoices.gov.uk
The Childcare Voucher Team
Helpline: 0800 328 7411
Email: customercare.br.uk@sodexo.com
To increase or amend your existing salary deductions, please email worksperks@nottinghamcity.gov.uk for new applications, you can scan the signed document and email it to worksperks@nottinghamcity.gov.uk
Please note that you need to notify us by the end of the month for the changes to come into effect from the following month.
