Short term childcare

[BooseysMom]

Hi, has anyone any experience of claiming tax credits for short term childcare over holidays?? The last time we had to claim this they said they'd send an award letter and separate payment both of which never materialised and instead they incorporated the small payment we did get into our regular monthly payments. I'm totally dreading summer as we've worked out it is going to cost £390 for the 5 weeks we need. We have to find this up front. My question is shouldn't they issue a separate payment after you have phoned to inform them? It never seems to be what they say will happen! I so wish i could stay on maternity leave forever! The bubble well and truly bursts when you have to go back to work..
Any advice greatly appreciated.