Free 15 hrs, help!

[mamarach26]

Hi,
My son is going to be starting a nursery when he is 2. I am eligible for the free 15 hours, I'm just wondering if i have to pay the deposit? It's £150.
I don't know if i should take the money with me tomorrow with the forms?
X

[kimlo]

My nursery doesn't ask for it if you are just taking the free hours. I would ring them before you go and ask.

[mamarach26]

Thank you so much, I've tried googling it but nothing comes up. I'll give the nursery a ring in the morning. X

[insancerre]

No, they cannot charge you the deposit if you are accessing just the funded hours

[Dlah]

Ditto - funded only - no deposit - legal council requirement of the setting they get them to sign.

If you intend to use above 15 hours then yes they can ask for one

[mamarach26]

I'm not eligible for the free funding, I earn over the limit set!

[Dlah]

Just re-read, confusion as your original post says you are entitled to the funding?

If you are not entitled to funding then yes, common practice to take a deposit. With all the good will in the world, some 'lovely' parents still do flits and leave owning money, it's just protection for the nursery

[dementedpixie]

So are you eligible for 15 free hours or not as you have contradicted yourself?

[mamarach26]

No. I am not eligible.

[dementedpixie]

If his hours aren't funded then I would assume you need to pay the deposit. Is he going because you are working and need childcare?

[mamarach26]

My partner works full time. I just wanted my DS to be in the nursery environment, so now I will be paying per day and the deposit. :)

[dementedpixie]

My 2 never went until they got their free hours at age 3. I didn't see the need for it before then. Could you send him for fewer hours so it is cheaper for you?

[mamarach26]

Yeah, I just think he would really enjoy it! And it's harder to keep him entertained in the house now it's wet most of the time. I think I'll send him for one half day a week?

[LIZS]

Some will recommend a minimum number of sessions, otherwise it can be hard to settle. Yes you'd have to pay a deposit and possibly fees up front.

[mamarach26]

I've just read the information pack from the nursery, minimum amount of hours is 15.

[insancerre]

We don't take children for just half a day a week
Its not enough time for the child and will take this m much longer to settle

[mamarach26]

Yeah, I did mention in my last post that the minimum is 15hrs. I was confused with the whole nursery situation. Im all sorted now, thanks all