Gov funding

[littlem133]

So what's the current situation with government funding and how is it due to change? Am I right in thinking at the moment you get 15 hrs from the age of 3 but it was due to be increased to 30??

[HSMMaCM]

They're trialling 30 hours in a few places at the moment, with a view to bringing it in country wide, but there is a lot of opposition from the childcare sector, due to the low rates being paid.

[insancerre]

At the moment you get 15 hours for 38 weeks from the term after their 3rd birthday
Some 2 year olds are also eligible
The planned 30 hours is not universal like the 15 hours for 3 year olds. Its dependent on meeting the conditions
The trials are not going well, there is widespread opposition to the increase as it will force many settings out of business
I

[nennyrainbow]

I think both parents will have to be working in order to claim the 30 hours.

[littlem133]

Thanks people. 18 months to wait then for reduced child care fees!! I have been told by my nursery that the 30hrs is being trialled in other areas and isn't going down too well as the fee the govt pay the nursery is a lot less than we pay therefore leaving the nurseries in financial difficulties

[littlem133]

Thanks people. 18 months to wait then for reduced child care fees!! I have been told by my nursery that the 30hrs is being trialled in other areas and isn't going down too well as the fee the govt pay the nursery is a lot less than we pay therefore leaving the nurseries in financial difficulties

[Dlah]

If it goes ahead it's currently stipulated that both parents (or one if single parent family) must work a minimum of 16 hours per week on minimum or living wage to receive the 30 hours

[debbiecr]

I'm also thinking about this...wondering how the 30 hours will be split over the 5-day week ...where pre-schools work in 3-hour "sessions" it made sense with the 15 hours that you get 5x3 hour sessions per week.

Also don't understand the contribution of 20p to your 80p on childcare thing.

[Dlah]

Most nurseries are currently into consultation to ask if/how they plan to accommodate the 15 hours. Some nurseries are choosing (and are allowed) to say they can still only offer 15 but are happy to co- provide with another nursery so 15 at each.

The nursery I currently work for are currently looking at having a small amount of 6 hour spaces probably 9am - 3pm, and the rest would be split places across 2 nurseries

[debbiecr]

Thanks Diah, that's helpful.