Pre School Playgroups and Tax Credits

Ex-Spendaholic

Boardguide, please do not move this post to the benefit section. I've already asked on there but as the system is different in England it is best I ask here.

Due to a change of circumstances we now find ourselves entitled to Tax Credits. It also seems that if we were paying for childcare (we aren't as a family member looks after the kids while we are at work) then we would get working tax credit towards it.

My youngest will be 3 at Halloween. It is therefore unlikely she'll get a nursery place for September. I was therefore thinking of one of the playgroup type places (in churches etc) that take kids from 2 years 9 months. The one I'm looking at charge £7+ per morning. So we are talking £35-£40 a week. :eek:

My question is whether Tax Credits would consider this as childcare costs and award WTC? I know its very unlikely but I'm just curious.

wifeforlife

There is a good chance they will pay something towards it, the thing with tax credits is it's so specific to your income and circumstances.

Did you apply to your local school nursery in January for your childs place. I know your child is coming three in October but they may have got a place, I only mention this as my own daughter did, therefore had 2 years in school nursery before going to primary one.

£40 a week is very cheap childcare, I'd be inclined to take the place if you can afford it, but also give tax credits helpline a ring and they'll be able to give you exact figures for you to budget with (note they'll be very busy as it's renewal time)

HTH
Cate

BatCat

Hi!
40£ a week for childcare is v cheap (our childcare for 2 kids is more than our mortgage). You can get a list of all the playgroups available from your health visitor.
Good Luck!
BatCat

Ex-Spendaholic

Thank you both. :beer:

I have applied for just about every nursery in East Belfast (on the basis that somewhere may be underscribed and she may get a place). We'll find out in 2 weeks time. If not then I'll go the playgroup route. She is well and truly ready to be in a nursery environment.