How to pay with Tax-Free childcare

As Total Sports Limited is Ofsted registered, you can use Tax-Free childcare to pay for our Holiday Clubs. Our Ofsted number is EY490152.

We also accept Childcare Vouchers and know that many parents use both methods of payment. As Childcare Vouchers are no longer offered to new employees, if you’ve started a new role since 2018 you won’t have this option.

Whilst Tax-Free childcare is a great option for parents, we know that it’s not completely straightforward setting this up, or using them to pay for childcare providers.

That’s why we’ve created a handy guide for you.

What is Tax Free childcare?

Tax-Free childcare is a government-backed scheme which offers eligible families up to £2,000 per child per year (or £4,000 for disabled children) free to put towards childcare costs.

The government will give you 20% additional funds for what you pay into your account. For every £8 you pay in, the government will automatically add £2, effectively giving you basic rate tax back on what you spend.

Parents can’t claim childcare tax credit (childcare element of working tax) or universal credit if they receive Tax-Free childcare.

Tax-Free childcare is available to:

  • Working families, including the self-employed, in the UK
  • Those earning under £100k and at least the National Minimum or Living wage equal to 16 hours a week
  • Those who aren’t receiving Tax Credits, Universal Credit or Childcare Vouchers
  • Families with children aged 0-11 (or 0-16 if disabled)

How to register

Parents need to apply or sign into the government childcare service. There is one single application to apply for either the 30 hours free childcare for nursery aged children or Tax-Free Childcare for older children. Please be aware that Total Sports Limited doesn’t accept the 30 hours free childcare.

Find out how to register for Tax-Free childcare.