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How to Maximise Savings and Use Tax-Free Childcare & Childcare Vouchers for Holiday Camps
A handy guide for busy working parents planning ahead for 2026
If you’re a working parent, you already know the school holidays can be a juggling act. Between work, family life, and trying to organise childcare that’s fun, reliable, and great value… it’s a lot. The good news? With Tax-Free childcare (TFC) and Childcare Vouchers (CCV), you can save a significant amount on holiday camps, and yes, these savings can be used to book your 2026 childcare at Barracudas holiday clubs.
This guide breaks down how the schemes work, how to use them with us, and how to make the most of the big savings available when you book early.
Why Use Tax-Free Childcare and Childcare Vouchers for Holiday Camps?
Tax-Free Childcare (TFC)
If you’re eligible, this can save you 20% on childcare costs. For every £8 you pay in, the government adds £2, up to £2,000 per child per year. It’s flexible, simple to use online, and works brilliantly for holiday camps.
Childcare Vouchers (CCV)
Although the scheme is closed to new entrants, many parents still use vouchers through their employer. They're taken from your salary before tax and National Insurance, meaning meaningful savings every month.
Both TFC and CCVs can be used at Barracudas, making high-quality school holiday childcare more affordable, without compromising on the fun, safety, or flexibility you need.
How These Schemes Work with Barracudas
Using TFC or CCV with us is straightforward:
With Tax-Free Childcare
- Select your camp location and dates
- Select 'Tax-Free childcare/Childcare Vouchers' in the payment options
- Login to your Tax-Free childcare account
- Send payment to Barracudas (you can choose to pay the minimum deposit, part payment of full payment)
- If paying in instalments/or clearing the full amount by the balance due date: Login to your Tax-Free childcare account each month and make a payment to Barracudas Activity Day Camps OR log in at least 7 days before our balance due date and pay the balance in full
With Childcare Vouchers
- Select your camp location and dates
- Select 'Tax-Free childcare/Childcare Vouchers' in the payment options
- Contact your Childcare Voucher provider to forward the payment to us, quoting your customer booking ID as a reference
- You can choose to pay the minimum deposit, part payment of full payment
- If paying in instalments/or clearing the full amount by the balance due date: please check your provider can accommodate this and arrange the payments directly through them either each month OR at least 7 days before our balance due date to pay the balance in full
Tip: If you’re ever unsure which reference to use or how to send the payment, our customer service team is always happy to help.
The Smartest Way to Save: Book Early for 2026
Booking your 2026 school holiday childcare early doesn’t just tick a big job off your list, it also gives you our best prices and maximum flexibility. Here’s exactly what you gain when you book ahead.
✔ Secure your place with a low deposit
Book your child’s space now without paying the full amount upfront. Throughout December, you can benefit from our super-low deposits, just £30 for a full week or £10 for single days (rising to £50 a week/£15 a day from 1st Jan). Ideal for spreading costs and keeping cash flow manageable.
✔ Lowest price of the whole year (Early Booking Offer runs until 31st January)
Our Early Booking Offer guarantees you’ll pay the lowest rates we’ll offer for 2026, saving up to £100! Once it's gone, it’s gone, so booking now is the biggest money-saver.
✔ Spread the cost with interest-free payments
Our Easy Payment Plan allows you to divide your booking into manageable monthly amounts. No interest, no fees, just simple budgeting.
✔ Pay using TFC or Childcare Vouchers
You can use TFC or CCV to pay for amazing school holiday childcare at Barracudas. Combine this with the early booking deals, and your total savings really add up.
✔ Option to pay with Klarna
If you prefer to pay via Klarna, you can, giving you even more flexibility at checkout.
✔ Date changes up to 14 days before camp
We understand life happens. If your plans shift, you can change your dates (subject to availability and any price difference for the new days).
✔ Extra peace of mind with our Flex booking option
Select Flex at checkout to protect your booking even further. This gives you enhanced cancellation and change-date flexibility.
Why Booking Now Makes Life Easier Later
Beyond the savings, there’s something parents tell us every year: booking early massively reduces stress.
- No last-minute scrambling for childcare
- No price hikes
- No fully-booked weeks
- No budgeting panic in the middle of the year
Just a clear plan, spread payments, and the feel-good reassurance that your child is set for an exciting, active, enriching holiday.
Ready to Plan Ahead?
Whether you want to save with Tax-Free Childcare, Childcare Vouchers, or simply take advantage of our 2026 early booking offers, we’re here to help you make it simple and affordable.
- Your child gets an unforgettable camp experience
- You get peace of mind and the best possible price
- And future-you gets to thank present-you for being organised