Childcare Voucher Scheme

1. Introduction

City University is very pleased to offer to all employees Childcare Vouchers.

Childcare vouchers are the most flexible, effective and popular way you can offer real assistance to working parents – helping them save money on childcare. Under the scheme, staff with children may be able to convert part of their salary, through salary sacrifice, into Childcare Vouchers which offer tax and national insurance (NI) savings and can be used as full or part payment for a range of childcare provisions including:

• Registered childminders
• Registered private nurseries
• Independent nursery schools
• Seasonal playgroups/crèches
• Out of school schemes (for over 5s)

The purpose of this page is to provide information regarding the Childcare voucher scheme.

2. Who is the provider?

Accor Services is City University’s chosen provider of Childcare Vouchers.

3.What is a salary sacrifice scheme?

A salary sacrifice is when you sacrifice part of your wages in return for a similar value in childcare vouchers. Childcare vouchers can be used to pay for childcare provision, provided that both the child and the carer meet the qualification criteria laid down by the Inland Revenue. Please see the HM Revenue and Customs website for more information about salary sacrifice

4. How much am I entitled to?

To find out how much you can salary sacrifice you can call the Accor Enrolment Helpline on 0870 365 1248

5. Qualifying Conditions

In order to receive childcare vouchers there are certain qualifying conditions and criteria set out by the Inland Revenue relating to your child and your childcare provider and it is recommended that you contact Accor Helpdesk to discuss your particular circumstances.

6. When can I enrol?

You can enrol at any point in the month. Please note - if you enrol after the 10th of the month your childcare vouchers are likely to start in the following month due to our payroll deadlines.

7. When will I receive my vouchers?

You will receive your vouchers on the last working day of the month.

8. Enrolment process

Outlined below are instructions on how to enrol.

• To enrol please go to www.childcarevouchers.co.uk and click on “Join the Scheme” under “Tools for Parents” - this is on the right hand side of the screen about half way down.

• You will then be prompted to enter City’s SCHEME ID which is CITY2476. You will then be taken to another screen where you will need to enter your Employee Number this number can be found on the front and top left hand corner inside your payslip (8 digit number beginning 800XXXXX). If you wish to verify this number then please call or e-mail your Senior HR Adviser. You will then need to set a 4-digit PIN - please treat this number as confidential as it will also enable you to come back to your application in the future.

• After saving your details you should then enter your personal, child, and carer details. Vouchers can only be provided in respect of registered childcare providers and in order to register you will need the registration number of your childcare provider. Please print out a copy of the form and then submit your application, using the tabs towards the top of the screen. Please ensure that you read the terms and conditions carefully.

• If you do not have online access and/or if you require assistance with the enrolment process, please call the Accor Enrolment Helpline on 0870 365 1248. You can call this number with any queries you may have.

9. Other benefits

When you join the Scheme you will be eligible to use the Familylife Solutions which is a nationwide freephone helpline, operated by professional staff offering advice and guidance on childcare and family issues including disability or elderly care.

During this process if you there are any questions that you would like answered, or if you would just like to register your interest, please contact your Senior HR Adviser.

Updated September 2008