30 hrs funding - asked to sign 50 wk contract which I don't need

[jojojo81]

Hi all, I know there are loads of queries about the 30 hr childcare funding issue but I can't seem to find this solution.
I am about to sign a term time (38 week) contract with my LO's nursery. He's not eligible for the funding until January but I want to know before I sign whether this is ok. To use the 30 hrs funding, the nursery state that you have to sign a 50 week contract. I work full time in a school so will be paying more than £3000 for childcare I don't need in the school holidays.
Is this allowed/normal?
Meals are included, trips extra. Any info or insight would be appreciated. Just moved back to the UK after living abroad for 2 years and there is a lot to sort out so feeling a little overwhelmed!

[Apple40]

It sounds like the nursery only offers funded spaces as a stretched option so you get around 22 hours a week spread over the year rather than 30 hours a week term time only. How funding is offered is down to the provider and not the parents. Some providers include food others that too is extra. Charging for trips is also normal. As the funded money only covers care and everything else is extra.

[coffeeforone]

Our nursery is stretched funding too. 22 hours funding a week for 50 weeks is their only option.

[user1493413286]

I think you need to find out if you pay full price for the holidays or if it’s stretched funding of 22 hours a week all year round. We were given the option for 30 hours term time or 22 hours all year but all nurseries are different. I wouldn’t pay full price for holidays though if I’m not using them

[BackforGood]

Some Nurseries offer term time only contracts. Some offer all year round contracts. It really is up to the Nursery.

[BertNErnie]

Can you check if the nursery offer a 38 week option? Otherwise you'll have to accept the stretched funding. The above is correct that it's up to the provider in terms of their offer.

[BertNErnie]

You won't be able to simply refuse to pay for holidays even if you don't need them. Another option might be to see if your local school has nursery provision and provides the offer.

Local to me the offer is term time only 8:30-3:30 and an additional daily £5 lunch supervision charge from 11:30-12:30 with the option of children being taken home for lunch and the £5 charge not applied.

[jojojo81]

Thank you for the insights - I've emailed the nursery for more information. I understand nursery have to charge for extras. I'm a teacher and I'm used to the extra charges that parents are asked for. But 12 weeks seems quite excessive. I definitely need more than 8.30-3.30 as I'm usually at school 7.30-5pm.
Thanks for your comments - wish the government provided a bit more of a transparent system for all of us!

[jannier]

Ask for more details and look for nurseries or childminders who take term time only

[june2007]

change nursery,s or get cm. The one I work in does funding in term time only.