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Paid childcare

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

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Original poster

Approval scheme? Whaaaaat?

5 replies

copey · 31/03/2006 20:26

The saga continues, can anybody tell me about the nanny approval scheme? How does it affect me as a parent - do I get finacial help via tax credits - I know all the info isout there somewhere but I am getting so confused! Any help much appreciated!:)

OP posts:

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MrsRecycle · 31/03/2006 20:39

Hi copey - I'm not going tonight so you can call me if you want!! I think the Nanny approval scheme is for you to claim back childcare via Tax Credits (ie registered childcare).

goldenoldie · 01/04/2006 08:26

childcare also has to be 'approved' if you use childcare vouchers too.

bluebear · 01/04/2006 08:45

You can get info from Surestart - try

www.childcareapprovalscheme.co.uk/

We are starting the process of getting our nanny approved so that we can pay her using childcare vouchers, and so that the other family who employ her can claim tax credits.

bluebear · 01/04/2006 08:47

As a summary - to be registered the nanny has to have some sort of childcare qualification (this is very minimal, and can be a very short course), a current (within 3 yrs) first aid cert, and be CRB checked by surestart (which costs £96).
We are paying for our nanny to update her first aid, and for the CRB check, but this will be more than compensated for by the tax savings of using childcare vouchers.

nannynick · 01/04/2006 23:21

Childcare Approval Scheme fee is now £99 (unlike childminder registration fees, the government didn't run a consultation on upping the fee, they just increased it).

Copey - have sent you some info via e-mail.

For others interested... the scheme as I see it really boils down to two elements:

Child Tax Credits

If your family income is below about £60,000 (I think) you may get some help towards childcare, if you use Approved or Registered care. Thus if you use a nanny, they can be Approved, and thus you get benefit via Tax Credits. Contact the Tax Credits helpline for info.

Childcare Vouchers

These are provided by your employer. Not all employers provide these. They are a Salary Sacrifice Scheme - so not available at the moment for Teachers (won't go into that one, it gets a bit complex!). If you employer provides Childcare Vouchers, ask them for an application form. care-4.co.uk and childcarevouchers.co.uk are worth looking at for a guide as to what savings can be made.

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