£100k Childcare, Financial Years and Childcare terms

WilsonAlfie90

Hoping someone can help me as completely confused and getting mixed answers from HMRC. Last financial year (23/24) I went over the £100k threshold (not by much and appreciate I am lucky to be in this position). Knowing I would just be over I didn't apply for Tax Free childcare. I know for financial year 24/25 I will be under the £100k limit and my child is eligible for the 15 funded hours from April.

With the financial year finishing on 5th April but the funded hours term starting on 1st April I was unsure how HMRC would treat my case (4 days being the old financial year but the rest of the term not). Having spoke to them multiple times (over 2.5 hours in total as got completely mixed answers) they told me I would fall into a 'grace period' and therefore eligible for April term. I applied in January and then again early March on their advice. They then rejected my application until 6th April where I was advised to apply again. I then got a code which is effective as of 15th April but because the 31st March deadline was missed we can't get the hours until September term now. 

So confused with the mixed messaging from HMRC. They suggested I speak to council which I did and they said to request for compensation/ back dated code. HMRC are just saying I missed the deadline now and reject my claim for compensation. 

I wondered if anyone else experienced anything similar or if I was advised incorrectly about the grace period (the advisor said because of the reconfirmation window of 3 months they look at income on a 3 monthly basis). 

Any help would be so gratefully received!