Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

Original poster

Childminder claimed incorrectly for funding- £2k bill

56 replies

Newstart2024 · 22/04/2025 11:33

My childminder just contacted me saying that my eligibility code for my 2 year old has been declined and she hasn't got the funding. She said for the term just gone and the term ongoing I owe her £2k.

I've looked back at my text messages, her claim for September onwards I gave her a temporary code that the childcare service gave me. In October and again in December I sent her the permanent 11 digit code on text. All my eligibility has been up to date and my funding/tax free childcare has been paid for my other two kids and tax free going through for my 2 year old. I've asked her which code she used and forwarded when I gave her the permanent one but not heard back (she's busy with all the kids today!).

I have contacted the childcare service who said all looks good. So I have contacted the council and asked if there has been an admin error and waiting to hear back.

If she has used the wrong code does anyone know if they will reclaim using correct one? £2k because of her admin error seems mad but I will have to pay she's only a sole trader and not fair she takes the hit either really... maybe she'll suggest we go halves on the error. (She's a great childminder too).

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
Mac56 · 22/04/2025 18:04

Mac56
I am a childminder who offers funding.
When you enter the code on headcount day it doesn't submit successfully if it's the wrong one, so not sure how she hasn't noticed before now.

PrincessScarlett · 22/04/2025 17:17

There is no way the childminder will work for free even though it seems it was entirely her mistake.

I think you should contact the funding team at the
local authority and see what can be done. The fact you had a temporary code shows that you were eligible for funding so they may be flexible in allowing the childminder to put in a late claim. Although if she's missed the initial data input most local authorities have an actual headcount day and an amendment day when you can add a child and just receive the funding payment late. If the childminder did mess up the least she can do is get paid the funding late so you don't lose all your funding for this term.

ScrewedByFunding · 22/04/2025 14:08

Gosh what a nightmare.

Blackdow · 22/04/2025 14:05

BombayBicycleclub · 22/04/2025 13:59

I don’t think she’ll suggest you go halves on your child
care bill

Well exactly, she shouldn’t go halves, the childminder should be covering the cost herself by not charging for those hours. She was given the funding code in time but didnt apply; this is her error. Parents are responsible to pay if they don’t provide the code, but the OP did. The childcare setting need to cover this expense.

I wouldn’t pay this if she has indeed used the wrong code.

BombayBicycleclub · 22/04/2025 13:59

I don’t think she’ll suggest you go halves on your child
care bill

SMaCM · 22/04/2025 13:53

Speak to the LA and see if they’ll pay her based on you having a code. If not, there’s a way you can claim direct from hmrc I think.