The system of Childcare Vouchers was introduced so that there was a mechanism in place to ensure that the money generated through the scheme, was being directed correctly to the childcarers.
Asking your provider about the child care voucher system
All registered child care providers can choose to accept child care vouchers instead of monetary payment from parents. As soon as they receive the vouchers, they can contact the company running the scheme and redeem the vouchers. The money is usually paid directly into their bank account. There is no additional cost to the carer and they don't lose out by accepting the vouchers.
In addition to this, they could also attract a wide range of potential clients by advertising that they accept child care vouchers. The increasing prevalence of child care voucher schemes amongst employers means that more parents will be looking for child care facilities that allow them to use vouchers in full or part-payment of their fees.
So, if you want to use your child care vouchers with your nursery, out-of-school club or holiday care facility, but they don't accept vouchers, here's how you can encourage them to begin:
Ask them to look at this website
The Fennies Vouchers site contains lots of information for parents, child care providers and employers, including some frequently asked questions. If they can't find the information they are looking for on our site, ask them to call or email us – we're always happy to answer any queries they have.
Encourage them to register
If your child care provider is not registered with Ofsted, or the equivalent bodies in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, then they will not be able to accept vouchers. Registering is straightforward and telephone numbers for all the relevant agencies are on our website.
Speak to other parents
See if their employer runs a child care voucher scheme. The more parents that are interested in using it, the easier it may be to convince your provider to adopt vouchers as payment.
There really is no downside for your care provider. In order to make the most of the child care voucher scheme, all parties need to be able to take part. If you can encourage your provider to take part, you will be able to make the most of the savings available to you.
Date: 08/12/2005
The introduction of childcare vouchers provides a genuine cash saving for working parents, and Fennies Vouchers would like to ensure that the experience of using childcare vouchers is quick and simple, and does not add an unnecessary administrative burden to the already busy lives of the working family.
