More confusion as parents of two-year-olds are being given 30hr eligibility codes
Many parents of two-year-olds are being given 30hr eligibility codes several months early. This is causing more confusion for parents and childcare providers. The HRMC system can’t even get it right for three and four-year-olds. Childcare providers are being given codes by parents months before they are entitled to it. Instead of HMRC having to tell parents why their child is not entitled to it yet, childcare providers are the ones having to explain to parents the reason why they cannot use the code.
The 30hr childcare scheme is being portrayed as a shamble, with many parents still having difficulties receiving codes, and now codes are being given out to early. The question many people are asking is why are there so many issues.
It is being advised that childcare providers check the child’s date of birth rather than going by the code given by parents.
It’s fairly simple as a provider you just check the child’s birth date. if it’s before the 1st of Jan, April or September then they are eligible, in that term,if not they are not…I do not feel any increased onus on the provider in sharing info to parents with 30 hours than there was with 15. I still had to spend a good proportion of time explaining to parents that didn’t understand 15 hours, it’s just the same with 30, some do and some don’t. As a provider in this sector we have to understand how the funding works so whats wrong with giving a great customer experience and helping parents through sharing our knowledge…..
this has happened to my setting on northants – Parents being goven a code – before the child is 3 – no explanation that they cant claim until the term after the childs 3rd birthday , to parents or providers. I have allocated 2 places for 30 hours attendance to be told by the local authority ( only after checking from seeing a facebook post) that they are aligible but not entitled ! Complete shambles and parents and EY settings suffer as usual
As a childcare provider, we need codes by tomorrow, but some parents are still waiting, tomorrow I have to tell parents that don’t have there code yet that it is now to late???