Funded childcare for 3 year old - 30 hours?

[cappy123]

Hi there

In the last 5 weeks we've had our two DCs placed with us, which is great if tiring. I'm very slowly getting admin together in terms of applying for childcare costs / family allowance / health etc.

DD is 4 in Jan and DS is 3 in June. DD used to be in nursery where they lived before (with foster carers) and she will be in school next year. Social services have asked me to take a year off, possibly more with adoption allowance (which we may be entitled too later). I have applied for 30 hours and tax free funding but acc to HMRC we're not eligible if I'm on adoption leave.

Our situation is typical. Am on adoption leave for a year till Oct 2019. DH working. My wages have started to decrease, will half in Feb, almost half again in March and be nothing by July.

I get that in the case of those people on mat leave, and that HMRC are attempting to align rights for adoptive and birth parents. I made the point though that children are adopted at any age, who all have existing needs appropriate to their age. After all nobody gives birth to a 4 year old.

Anyone successfully managed to gain 30 hours funding for their 3/4 year old whilst on adoption leave? Have had a long chat with HMRC (who have said I'd have to appeal).

My local authority may fund 15 hours for our 2 year old DS, though.

Thanks in advance

Just too focus on separation and loss , attachment's pre adoption;
have looked after children who have experienced as many as 30 or more placements prior too adoption. Placements is a wider issue than foster placements., may be with friends, family, unknown associates being looked after by persons outside the care system. Our worse scenario over 50 placements before age of 5. most of this would be unknown too adoptee's or services. hence the caution of and need of bonding for 1st few months of adoption., always a good reason,