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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to not understand why those with lower income get free childcare even if they don't work

446 replies

PrincessScrumpy · 03/09/2013 13:47

2 mums from a toddler group I go to are on income support and their DC start their free 2 days a week at nursery at the age of 2. I have dd1 age 5, and dtds 2. We couldn't afford childcare for 2 babies so I had to cut my hours by more than half and work from home around dc which is hard but we wouldn't cover the bills if I didn't. obviously twins was a surprise and a huge financial hit so savings are very low/almost non existent.

Anyway, I have another year until my dtds get free childcare while a lady with one dc gets it at age 2 despite having no intention to work. This feels really unfair and I just don't get the reasoning.
I'm not trying to benefit bash but it's hard not to feel angry. Willing to accept iabu, but can't help feeling this way.

OP posts:
Feminine · 03/09/2013 14:24

You don't get the place (at pre-school) unless you really do qualify.

It won't be anything to do with tax credits Confused

Council house envy....and now 'being disadvantaged' envy.

You couldn't make it up!

Original poster
PrincessScrumpy · 03/09/2013 14:24

Seeing it as for the child but the parent does make more sense so thank you for pointing that out. I had a feeling I was being unreasonable and knew people on here would soon sort me out! I knew there would be a reason for it but sometimes is hard to see. I really am not benefit bashing our judging this woman - just trying to understand.

OP posts:
HeySoulSister · 03/09/2013 14:25

Who has council house envy?

MurderOfGoths · 03/09/2013 14:26

In a way OP I have to thank you, as I didn't know about this scheme and will be looking into it for DS. I'm desperate for him to get more used to being around others, but I know he's held back by our situation. Good to know there's help out there.

BaldricksTurnip · 03/09/2013 14:28

MurderofGoths- I saw you on your other thread about your financial difficulties and felt so sorry for you (in a completely non patronising way!). I really hope you managed to get things sorted?

MurderOfGoths · 03/09/2013 14:29

Thank you sweetheart. DH is out now trying to get something sorted, fingers crossed he comes back with good news, though I have to confess I am not too hopeful.

hazeyjane · 03/09/2013 14:29

feminine, in our area one of the qualifying criteria is getting

Child Tax Credit, provided you are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual household income (as assessed by HM Revenue & Customs) that does not exceed £16,190.

TantrumsAndBalloons · 03/09/2013 14:29

I will never ever understand why people do this.

You don't think she should have this "free childcare" because you have to wait an extra year to get it?

So you don't actually disagree with the concept, you just think it's "not fair" for you.

You have no clue why she gets it. You have no idea what benefits she recieves, if she has a disability, if they are a low income family, if for some reason she is actually unable to work.

Yet you want what she has. 15 hours of free "childcare"

It's insane. If you really really want all those wonderful "free" things she has, then maybe you should live her life.

Oh but you can't. Because you have no idea what her circumstances are, do you?

Feminine · 03/09/2013 14:29

hey it resides here on MN sometimes...not op :)

K8Middleton · 03/09/2013 14:30

furfox the policy is not about paid child being superior to unpaid child care. It is about giving something to children who are not getting the basics at home. In some cases to help out parents who have the odds against them due to ill health or disability and maybe need a bit of extra help to deliver the basic level of stimulation and education. For example it's hard to teach socialisation skills if anxiety means you can't face interacting with others.

It is a great thing we should be proud of but unfortunately the welfare of others does not have huge political mileage unlike working parents and child care so that has been piggy backed on when it really isn't the point of the scheme.

BaldricksTurnip · 03/09/2013 14:30

I'll cross all my fingers for you Smile

Footface · 03/09/2013 14:30

I used to be involved with this scheme, there is lots of criteria that needs to be met, it's not just income support, although it does support the application, there need to be other additional needs aswell, for example speech and language needs, or social issues within the family.

There is a massive waiting list for children as there are more children than places.

It is a very good scheme and hopefully in the long run will save the government money.

There is also extenuating circumstance that allow you to access the fund if you have a higher income

Feminine · 03/09/2013 14:31

hazy Okay :) I sit corrected...

In our area, receiving the credits alone (round here) is not enough to entitle a family.

MurderOfGoths · 03/09/2013 14:32

Quick question, anyone know what the scheme is likely to be called, and how early you need to get your child on to it?

Original poster
PrincessScrumpy · 03/09/2013 14:33

I think me saying she has a big garden has been taken as council house envy - although I actually meant she had space to play out side and had a nice place to live so not in a visibly terrible situation I have seen other children living in. wasn't a comparison to my own home or any jealousy - I think every child deserves a decent home. heysoulsister

OP posts:
hazeyjane · 03/09/2013 14:34

google 'free nursery entitlement for 2 year olds' and your local government district, there should be a list of qualifying criteria (it does vary from area to area). It is also worth ringing the relevant office and talking to someone, because it is a scheem that is changing all the time, so you may qualify without realising it.

sunshine401 · 03/09/2013 14:35

With the 2 year old funding for free education there has to be certain criteria met. Being on income support with one child is not a factor. So there will be other reasons why this child gets this funding.
This funding is a benefit for children who require it. There is no need to feel jealous or hard done by, just be thankful you are not in that position because it is not a nice position for any family to be in.

SPsTotallyMullerFuckingLicious · 03/09/2013 14:35

Just realised my mum and step dad must get this for my siblings. One is 3 and one is 2. Mum works but stepdad doesn't. He is a house husband so has the kids all week til late as mum works 10 hour shifts. They go to nursery 3 days a week, 5 hours each.

I do not envy their life.

MurderOfGoths · 03/09/2013 14:35

Thank you hazey :)

Original poster
PrincessScrumpy · 03/09/2013 14:36

AZ a, m .

OP posts:
hazeyjane · 03/09/2013 14:37

It is about giving something to children who are not getting the basics at home.

In some cases, maybe, but not all.

Original poster
PrincessScrumpy · 03/09/2013 14:38

Oops twins up from nap!
We're in Somerset so here you'd speak to local children centre.
Hope you get the help you need murder of goths

OP posts:
aturtlenamedmack · 03/09/2013 14:38

For the benefit of the child.

MurderOfGoths · 03/09/2013 14:39

Ah ok, looks like DS is too young to need to register him yet, but I've saved the link. OP in a funny way you've helped :)

utreas · 03/09/2013 14:39

YANBU its a frivolous policy that we can ill-afford and it should be abolished immediately.