Introducing Direct Debit Payments for Childcare Bills

Once you’ve chosen a nursery for your child to attend, you’ll want your experience of using a day nursery to be as smooth as possible. As a parent, you’ll undoubtedly have many things on your mind that needs your attention.

To help take one less thing for you to worry about away, we are pleased to announce the introduction of Direct Debit payments for childcare fees.

Following a successful trial of Direct Debit payments at one of our nurseries, we will be extending facility to all other day nurseries in the Tommies Childcare group.

From September 2020, our accepted payment methods at Tommies Childcare will be as follows:

• Direct Debit
• Tax-Free Childcare Scheme
• Childcare Vouchers

Also from September 2020, we will no longer accept Bank Transfers or Debit Card payments as standard payment methods.

“How will Direct Debit payments work?”

You will continue to receive your childcare bill in advance on or around the 15th of each month, as usual, giving you enough time to make any queries you may have.

The full balance on your account will then be debited from your bank account automatically on the 1st of the following month. This will remove the need for you to make any manual payments either via Bank Transfer or Debit Card.

“How do I set up Direct Debit payments?”

Shortly after you register your child at any Tommies Childcare setting, you will receive an email with a link to a Direct Debit Mandate, which you can complete online.

If you have not received this email, please check your spam/junk folders. If you still cannot locate the email, please contact your Nursery Manager as soon as possible.

“What happens if my childcare bill changes or is different each month?”

Our Direct Debit facility is what is known as a Variable Direct Debit. A Variable Direct Debit lets you pay for the exact amount shown on your childcare bill. You won’t need to amend your Direct Debit as this will be done for you.

“Can I pay my Childcare Bill by any other means?”

Yes. If you prefer, you can choose to pay your childcare bill either via the Tax-Free Childcare Scheme or with Childcare Vouchers. However, as Tax-Free Childcare and Childcare Voucher payments take longer to process, you must ensure that such payments are released by the 21st of each month.

“Can I combine Direct Debit payments with another payment method?”

Yes. You can combine Direct Debit payments with either the Tax-Free Childcare Scheme or Childcare Vouchers. However, you must ensure that your Tax-Free Childcare or Childcare Voucher payments reach your account by the 21st of each month at the latest. If your payments do not reach your account in time, the full amount owed will be taken by Direct Debit.

Any Other Questions

If you have any other questions about the new Direct Debit facility, please speak to your Nursery Manager or send an email to info@tommieschildcare.co.uk.