School nursery and Private nursery

[pebble7]

My daughter was due to start the schools nursery this term but previously attended a private setting. Due to primary schools closing, the nursery attached to the school has decided not to open and won’t be until at least February half term.

I have contacted our previous nursery and they are happy to take my daughter back for this half term but the school have said to me they won’t accommodate dual registration and she will loose her place when they eventually reopen.

This is because I wish to use the 30 hour funding for this half term at the private nursery so we don’t have to pay the full private nursery fees.

I am feeling pretty upset as I don’t understand why her place should be threatened because the school nursery is shut. It isn’t our fault and as I understand they could open as they are an early years setting but have chosen not to.

Is there anywhere I can seek advise on where we stand?

My preference is for her to attend the school nursery but obviously this won’t happen for a while. Myself and husband are both working - not key workers but both of our jobs cannot be completed from home so having daughter off and juggling work around will put a big financial strain on us.

I think you are reasonable to take your 30 hours free funding back to the Private nursery - you need to use the service they are providing and the school nursery isn't an option at present.

This situation is going to last a long time. It's not going to be all back to normal in a few weeks. You need to make a decision that allows you to keep going now, which means using the private nursery.

Using the school nursery has no impact on your priority for getting a place in Reception at that school when the time comes, so in your position I would be open to staying with the private nursery until your DD reaches the September after her 4th Birthday - is that 2021 or 2022?

As and when the pandemic is properly conquered, if there is still a significant amount of time before she starts Reception, then you can always apply to the school nursery again at that point, and maybe have a little wait to get to the top of the waiting list, but the rammifications of that are minimal compared to the impact of you and DH not being able to get your jobs done right now.

The funding can only be paid to where she is attending at the head count day. Why would they hold your place for nothing if another child may want it

Schools are unique in being able to close and keep the funding.....but 8f she hadnt started you can just send her to old nursery and they will get funding as long as your area head count hasn't happened yet.