Tax Free Childcare & Vouchers: How to book with Premier

Finding childcare that’s both affordable and reliable can feel overwhelming for parents. That’s why at Premier Education, we don’t just run clubs that children love, we also make booking and paying for them as stress-free as possible.

If you’re a parent, the good news is that you can use the government’s Tax Free Childcare scheme or your employer’s Childcare Vouchers to pay for our clubs. Both options are designed to save you money on wraparound care, holiday clubs, and other registered childcare.

This guide walks you through how each scheme works and exactly how to use them when booking a course on our website.

Key takeaways:

1
Pay with Tax-Free Childcare or Vouchers
You can pay for Premier Education clubs using Tax-Free Childcare or existing Childcare Vouchers.
2
Tax-Free Childcare adds a top-up
Tax-Free Childcare gives you a 20% top-up from the government, worth up to £2,000 per child each year.
3
Vouchers are still valid if you’re already enrolled
Childcare Vouchers are closed to new applicants but can still be used if you’re already enrolled.
4
You can’t use both schemes together
You can’t use both schemes at the same time. Check the Childcare Calculator to see which works best for you.
5
Booking is quick and simple with Premier
Booking with Premier is simple: choose your club, select your payment method, and use your provider’s reference number.
6
Funding makes childcare affordable and stress-free
Using funding support with Premier means more affordable childcare and peace of mind that your child is safe, active, and happy.

What is Tax Free Childcare?

Tax-Free Childcare is a government scheme that helps working parents cut the cost of childcare. For every £8 you pay into your account, the government adds £2. That’s up to £2,000 per child, per year, or £4,000 if your child has a disability.

Think of it like an online wallet. You top it up, the government chips in, and you can use the balance to pay approved providers like us.

Why parents like Tax Free Childcare

Parents value Tax-Free Childcare because it saves them 20% on the cost of care, is easy to manage through a simple online account on Gov.uk, and can be used for everything from wraparound care to holiday clubs. It’s a flexible way to make childcare more affordable without adding extra admin to a busy parent’s day.

What about Childcare Vouchers?

Childcare Vouchers are an older scheme that closed to new applicants in 2018. But if you’re already enrolled through your employer, you can still use them.

Vouchers are taken from your salary before tax and National Insurance, meaning you save money every month. They can be spent directly with providers like Premier Education.

How Tax-Free Childcare compares to Childcare Vouchers:

Tax-Free Childcare

Open to new applicants through Gov.uk.
For every £8 you pay in, the government adds £2.
You can save up to £2,000 per child, per year (or £4,000 if your child has a disability).
Works like an online account linked to your bank
Can be used for wraparound care, holiday clubs, and more.

Childcare Vouchers

Closed to new applicants since 2018, but existing users can continue.
Vouchers are taken from your salary before tax and NI, saving you up to £933 per parent, per year.
Provided directly through your employer’s payroll.
Still eligible for all Premier Education clubs and courses.

Can I use both?

No. You can only use one scheme at a time. If you’re on vouchers, you’ll need to decide whether it’s better to switch. But don’t worry, you can use the government’s Childcare Calculator to see which saves your family more.

How to Book a Premier Education Course Using Tax-Free Childcare

It’s straightforward once you’ve set it up. Here’s how to do it:

Open your Tax-Free Childcare account

Sign up on Gov.uk Tax-Free Childcare.
Have your National Insurance number and child’s details ready.

Search for Premier Education

Log in and find your local Premier franchise by reference number.
You’ll see this number during the booking process, or in our help guide.

Add money to your account

Pay in what you need.
The government tops up the balance automatically.

Complete your booking

Go to the Premier Education booking portal.
Choose your club and dates.
Select “Tax-Free Childcare” at checkout and use your franchise reference.

Get confirmation

Payments usually clear within 2-3 working days.
Your child’s place is secure while the funds are being processed.

How to book with Childcare Vouchers

If you’re still on vouchers, here’s what to do:

Log in to your voucher provider (E.g. Edenred, Sodexo, Computershare)
Search for Premier Education using the reference number given at checkout.
Transfer funds from your voucher account.
Book your child’s place online, selecting ‘Childcare Vouchers’ at checkout.

Payments can take a couple of days, so plan ahead if you’re booking close to the start date.

FAQs Parents Often Ask

What if I can’t find Premier Education in my provider’s system?

Each one of our venues is registered separately. Contact your local franchise team, and they’ll be able to confirm the correct reference number.

Can I pay part by voucher and part by card?

Yes. If your balance doesn’t cover the full amount, you can pay the rest with a debit or credit card.

Do I have to set it up every time?

No. Once you’ve added Premier Education to your account, it should be saved for future bookings.

Why Parents Choose Premier Education

For parents, using Tax-Free Childcare or vouchers makes life easier. But the real reason families choose Premier is what happens once children step through our doors. With over 20,000 five-star reviews, families know they can trust us. Every session is expert-led and Ofsted-registered, giving parents peace of mind. And most importantly, our clubs are designed so children return home happy, confident, and full of stories about their day. We’re not just childcare, we’re the place where children laugh, play, and thrive. For parents, that means every penny (or voucher) feels well spent.

Useful Links

Whether you’re using vouchers or Tax-Free Childcare, booking with Premier Education couldn’t be simpler. And when you do, you’re not just arranging childcare, you’re giving your child days filled with sport, fun, and discovery.

That’s our promise: Happy Kids. Healthy Futures.