Cost of Living and Childcare Vouchers
With the cost of living rising, we are acutely aware that there are many families that would benefit from some additional help. There is a lot of advice out there but we know that sometimes it is not always easy to find.
We also recognise that we can provide two key strands of support. That is:
- General advice for all – by sharing the universal help that is out there that all families can access.
- Targeted support – this is where we can try and signpost specific parents to targeted help.
Free School Meals
It may be worth checking again to see if your child is eligible for Free School Meals.
Please click this link to see whether you are eligible
Free school meals | Hertfordshire County Council
Also, if you're eligible for free school meals due to low income, other help may be available via the Household Support Fund.
We hope this is useful. Please do contact us if you need any assistance and we will try our best to signpost you to support.
Essex/Epping Forest Families
For our families that live in Essex/Epping Forest areas:
If you are concerned about how the rising cost of living will affect you, please visit our website for advice and information on where to find extra support.
Cost of living support - Epping Forest District Council (eppingforestdc.gov.uk)
Warm Places are opening across the district this week.
They provide a free, safe, warm, and comfortable space for those who need it throughout winter. Many are offering refreshments (with some offering hot food), and activities such as board games and WiFi.
Find a Warm Place near you at:
Warm Places - Epping Forest District Council (eppingforestdc.gov.uk)
Additional useful websites
Citizens Advice Epping District (citizensadviceefd.org.uk)
Tax Free Childcare and Childcare Vouchers
Use of Childcare Vouchers
Scholars’ Education Trust accepts childcare vouchers but only for specified activities within the rules of the Government Childcare Voucher Scheme.
Childcare vouchers are only acceptable for the following eligible activities:
- Breakfast Club
- After School Club
Childcare vouchers are not accepted for the following:
- School lunches
- Voluntary contribution
- Extra Curriculum Clubs
- School trips during school hours or related to the school curriculum
- Residential trips that take place away from the school’s registered premises.
Please be aware that, under HMRC rules, any overpayment of childcare vouchers cannot be refunded directly to parents due to the tax benefits received on purchase.
For additional information, please refer to Gov.uk Tax Free Childcare
