does anyone use imagine co-operative childcare

[nailpolish]

i have a quick question re setting up the standing order

[loler]

I do - they are really helpful if you ring them

[nailpolish]

they are busy on the phone and ive left a message to phone back

you kow when you are setting up the standing order and they ask for the amount - is it the total amount or the monthly amount you put in?

[loler]

I think its the amount you want to put into their account. i.e. a maximum of £243 per month.

[nailpolish]

ok thanks!

i am confused s to how it works

do i give themthe money and they give it to the nursery ? or do they keep it and give it to the nursery at the end of the year?

[loler]

You give them upto £243 a month and then they give it to the nursery. The £243 is taken straight from your pay before tax is taken (so you don't pay tax on this money). They then pay whatever you instruct them to pay to your nursery. So I currently pay the £243 but when I was on mat leave I just let the money accrue in my Imagine account.

The whole idea is that it's a tax break - I'm sure there must be a simpler way of doing it but that's the government for you!

[nailpolish]

ok thats what i thought but i wasnt sure!

thanks

[loler]

oh - and then I pay the nursery the rest of my salary from my normal bank account to make up the total of the monthly bill!

[nailpolish]

uep that sounds about right!!!