AIBU can I claim 30hrs childcare from THREE providers?

[Hopeafterhope]

Long story short, I need to use three different providers for a while. I think gov.uk says something like you can use "more than one". I'm pretty sure I can but the third provider wants me to check so I thought I'd get an idea from Mumsnet first, as I can't phone the council until Tues, which is when my little one is meant to start.

Not sure about 3 over 30 hours but I used 15 over 2 providers with no problem. It's all computerised by our council so they knew I was only using my allotted hours.

Two sites

Continuity of care is important for the child so local authorities and providers should bear in mind the impact that multiple providers may have on a child’s learning, development and wellbeing. Parents can split their free entitlement between multiple providers, though no more than two sites in one day.

assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/718181/Early_years_entitlements-operational_guidance.pdf

I tried to do this and couldn't. I split between nursery and childminder (I wanted 2 childminders and nursery )

I’ve done it with two. Dunno about 3.

in our borough you’ve missed the deadline though for funding and wouldn’t be able to start until September.

I think the funding should be ok as the nursery are going to start claiming in a couple of weeks so I think the second childminder would be able to. There is a serious issue with one of the kids that goes to the first childmibder so I need the second childmibder so that I can avoid having to send my little one to the first childmibder on days that that kid is there. So I think if the council say no then I'd appeal on that basis.

You can’t split it across 3 providers- only 2. I tried and was told they wouldn’t accept it so I had to amend my plans accordingly.

Can't you just use the second childminder? Better for your lo.

Definitely just use the second childminder and nursery. It’s very confusing for your DC otherwise.

I’m in early years and would strongly recommend you just use two settings. It can be very unsettling splitting between so many for a child.

Can’t you just use the new childminder and nursery and leave the one with the child in question

I’m pretty sure you can in Dorset

The wording ‘No more than two sites in one day’ would suggest that you should be able to split it over more than two across a week.

You could a couple of years ago. I had to do it with my DD for a time. She went to one provider every afternoon, but two different ones in the mornings (one Monday and Tuesday and another Wednesday to Friday).

The split of hours is something you need to work out with the providers before applying - one of mine delayed the application for ages because they were meant to claim for 8 hours, but claimed for 10 accidentally.

Thanks all. Good point rafals. The reason I need to keep the first childmibder is that her best friend is there and they've been very bonded since they were one, she's 3.5 now. The boy with the issue isn't there on the same day. We've had a couple of playdates with the best friend but their parents don't seem to be up for doing playdates much. She should get some good friends in nursery and at that point I think could cope with loosing touch with this best friend. None of this is helped by the fact that you have to give four weeks notice to the childmibder anyway. Thanks everyone for your help xx

Thehop what's going on with this boy is more unsettling. My little one is out-going and well-socialised so will cope better than most.