15 free hours childcare age 3

[smilesonlyforyou]

Hi,

My little one was 3 in January so should be eligible for the 15 free childcare hours.
We haven't been eligible for tax free childcare or the 30 free hours.

I don't seem to be getting a straight answer from nursery, do the 15 free hours automatically get allocated?
Or do I need to complete something?
I've heard for the 30 free hours they use something called funding loop but to date so haven't been sent anything for the 15 free hours.
Fees are going up by a couple of hundred a month in April so some free hours will be welcomed!

Thanks!

It's the term after they turn 3 isn't it? So not eligible until after Easter?

They will be eligible after April 1st.

Oh sorry yes I mean eligible from 1st April, but do I need to apply?

Similar situation here - you don't need to apply via gov.uk (like you would have for 30 hours) but I did need to complete an application form provided by the nursery for 15 hours to kick in. It was relatively straightforward but they need you to let them know, it's not automatic from what I could find.

Thank you...sounds like I need to speak to the manager then. Deputy manager responds to my emails but her reply didn't really make sense!

Yes it's universal, no code needed.

As others said, you will need to complete a funding form, which your nursery should provide you with.

They differ between areas but mine (which I have in front of me now as I fill it out to reconfirm for next term) asks for the provider name, child’s name, address, your name and NI number and how many hours/when they will be used.

Same situation here. You don’t need to apply and won’t receive a code but you do need to confirm details via the nursery.

Tell the nursery you are eligible for 15 hours only. They’ll send you a form via Funding Loop or their alternative. You fill it in with your details and submit.