Childcare Vouchers

Tax-Free Childcare/Childcare Vouchers

The support you can get for paying for childcare is changing.

NB. The University's existing childcare voucher scheme will be closed to new entrants with effect from 4^th October 2018 as the government has introduced Tax-Free Childcare (TFC). For more information, please visit Childcare Choices

If you are already in the scheme, your current arrangements will continue unless you decide to change to TFC. However if you leave the voucher scheme to join TFC, you will not be able to re-join the voucher scheme at a later date, even if your circumstances have changed.

The Childcare Vouchers Providers Association has produced this useful comparison infographic - JPG 543.3 KB showing the differences between childcare vouchers and tax-free childcare.

Childcare Vouchers

Childcare vouchers are a Government scheme aimed at helping working parents. Families can save hundreds of pounds every year by using childcare vouchers, with extra savings if both parents take part. Here at the University of Bedfordshire, childcare vouchers are offered through an external provider, Sodexo.

How Does It Work?

The vouchers are taken from your salary before your tax and National Insurance (NI) contributions. Once you’ve set up a voucher account, the University will order your childcare vouchers through payroll each month, meaning you will receive them around the same time as your pay.

You can then access your account online via www.mysodexo.co.uk and simply pay your childcare bills or set up regular payments to make life even easier – just like you would with your bank account.

You can even access and manage your account using your smartphone – just visit www.mysodexo.co.uk/mobile

Who Can Join The Scheme?

You can join if:

You are a parent or have parental responsibility for a child
Your child is under the age of 15 (Vouchers can be used until 1^st September following their 15^th birthday, or 1^st September following their 16^th birthday if they are registered disabled)
You are using a registered childcare provider (This can include nannies, child-minders, nurseries, play schemes, after-school clubs, holiday camps and the care element of independent school fees)
Your salary will remain above the National Minimum Wage AND the Lower Earning Limit AFTER you take your vouchers. This is to make sure you pay the minimum amount of NI contributions to cover your state benefits such as Statutory Sick Pay

How Do I Join? (Until 4th October 2018)

Go to: www.mysodexo.co.uk
Ensure your childcare provider is registered with Sodexo. If they’re not, simply ask them to complete a registration form, which is available to download from the website. Once registered, they will be given a 6-digit childcare provider ID number – you can use this to add them to your account online
Manage your account – through your online portal you can check your balance, pay childcare bills and access exclusive online offers.

For further information, please download the Sodexo Childcare Vouchers leaflet - PDF 1.3 MB , visit: www.sodexobenefitsrewards.co.uk or alternatively, contact your HR Advisor or the Salaries department.