If you’ve still got unused childcare vouchers and were wondered where you can redeem them for your kids, then let us help. Whilst the Childcare Voucher scheme is closed to new applicants, existing voucher users can usually still use them (as long as they joined in time and keep meeting the scheme rules).
So… where can you actually spend Childcare Vouchers at the moment?
The obvious choice would be with us at FunTech. If you’re still in the Childcare Voucher scheme, you can usually use your vouchers to pay (in full or part) for approved holiday clubs – including FunTech’s Ofsted-registered tech and coding camps (and all virtual / online options).
Here’s some more detail…
What childcare vouchers can (and can’t) cover
Childcare vouchers are designed to pay for approved childcare. That usually means childcare that’s registered or regulated (or approved through a registered agency) and is genuinely childcare rather than a “nice extra”.
They’ve been commonly used for things like:
- Nurseries and preschool care
- Childminders
- Nannies/home carers (when properly registered/approved)
- Before-school and after-school clubs
- Holiday clubs (like FunTech) / playschemes / holiday camps (when registered as childcare and set up to accept voucher payment – as we can do for you)
In other words: not limited to nurseries. A lot of parents can use vouchers for wraparound care and holiday childcare too.
The big list: places you can spend childcare vouchers nowadays
1) Day-to-day childcare
This is the classic use case: regular childcare while you work.
Think:
- childminder hours
- registered home-based care
2) Wraparound care
That awkward “school finishes at 3:15pm” problem.
Vouchers can often be used for:
- breakfast clubs
- after-school clubs
- childcare provided by a registered school (for eligible childcare provision)
3) Holiday childcare
This is where vouchers can feel like a lifesaver.
If the provider is registered as childcare, vouchers can often go towards:
- holiday camps and clubs
- playschemes
- structured holiday camps that meet the approved childcare rules
A handy rule of thumb: if it’s a legitimate childcare setting (not just a one-off activity), you’re often in the right territory.
4) Activity-based clubs that register as childcare
Some clubs look like “activities”, but can still qualify if they’re registered appropriately.
Examples can include:
- sports-style clubs
- drama-style clubs
- language-style clubs
- art-style clubs
(Again: the key is whether they’re registered as childcare and recognised as approved childcare.)
What you can’t spend childcare vouchers on
This catches people out.
Even when something is great for your child, it may not count as approved childcare. In general, vouchers can’t be used for:
- compulsory education
- school fees
- private lessons during school hours
So, if it’s basically “school” (or an in-school extra), vouchers usually won’t apply.
How to check quickly (before you book)
Use this simple 3-step check:
- Is the provider approved childcare? In the UK, that normally means registered/regulated (for example through the relevant childcare regulator) or registered via an approved agency. FunTech is registered and regulated.
- Do they accept childcare vouchers as a payment method? Even if they’re approved, they still need to actually take vouchers. FunTech accepts vouchers.
- Are you mixing schemes without meaning to? If you move over to newer childcare support schemes, it can affect whether you can keep receiving new vouchers (though you can usually still spend vouchers you already have).
A quick note on newer childcare support schemes
Even if your question is vouchers, it’s worth knowing many families now compare vouchers with other support options, such as schemes that help with:
- childminders
- before/after-school care
- holiday clubs and playschemes
If you’re unsure which option gives you the best value, it’s often worth doing a quick comparison based on:
- your household income
- how many children you’re paying childcare for
- how much you spend per month
Making vouchers go further: when childcare also builds skills
Once you realise vouchers can sometimes be used for certain holiday clubs and camps, a fun idea appears:
What if your childcare spend doesn’t just “cover the day”… but also builds real confidence?
That’s why many families look for structured holiday childcare where children:
- learn something tangible
- stay busy and happy
- make friends easily
- come home proud of what they’ve created
Where FunTech fits in
FunTech offers coding and tech education for children and teens aged 7 to 17, including holiday courses and camps alongside term-time learning.
Parents often choose FunTech because it ticks two boxes at once:
Childcare that’s genuinely useful and learning that feels exciting.
Here’s what tends to stand out:
- Decades of experience teaching kids and teens technology skills
- A broad curriculum: from beginner tech skills to coding, game design, and more
- Friendly teachers who explain things clearly (and keep it fun)
- Small-group classes that help children feel seen and supported
- A strong reputation built on thousands of family reviews and recommendations
And for parents who like flexibility, FunTech also offers a Camp Swap style approach, so plans don’t have to feel locked in.
Next step: use your vouchers with confidence
If you want to keep it simple, start here:
- List your childcare needs (term-time? holiday cover? wraparound?)
- Check the provider is approved and accepts voucher payments
- Choose something your child will actually enjoy
And if you’d like childcare spend to double as a future-friendly investment, take a look at FunTech’s courses and camps to find the best match for your child’s age and interests.