30 Hours Free Funding

[Futuremummy87]

Hello.

We are adopting a precious little person who will be 3 in early march. I will be on adoption leave for 9-12 months. I plan for them to be put in Nursery towards the end of my leave and slowly increase it as I go back to work. Like a managed transition so they get used it it gradually.

I meet all the eligibility criteria when working. Does this still apply towards the end of my leave?

Presumably as a child leaving care little one will be eligible for 15 hours automatically and I can increase this to the 30 as I am due to go back to work? They will be almost 4 when I go back to work.

[MouseRatFan]

Congratulations on the adoption!! The first 15 hours is for Early Years Education and it is available to every three and four year old. The second 15 hours is dependent on income and hours worked.

Have you considered a childminder to deliver the funded hours? I only ask as I am a childminder myself and have recently been caring for a child who was adopted last year. The more intimate homeenvironment and closer bond with myself really helped the little one settle into child care.

[Futuremummy87]

Hi MouseRatFan.

Little one is used to a nursery environment so we are happy to stay with that.

What I'm wondering is if I'm entitled to the funded hours towards the end of adoption leave as I meet all the criteria whilst at work?

Great you have had such a positive impact on a little persons life. :)

[msgro]

As far as I'm aware if you can meet the criteria it would be the same as maternity leave so you could use towards the end.

There are cut off date for you to apply for but if you speak to the nursery they should let you know when they are. You have to reconfirm each term as well which is easy enough and you will be sent a reminder near the time.

Congratulations as well x

[Futuremummy87]

Thank you everyone! Sounds like all should work out fine.