early years fund/grant - do you have to pay extra?

[LAURACOLLEY]

for those who recieve the early years fund / grant for their children - how hard was it to find a nursery / center / school nursery (foundation) place with vacancy's?

also are you having to pay still for extra nursery hours?

I only want the 12.5 hours a week for 38 weeks a year, as I will be studying (postgrad) and can not get any funding for this, including any childcare funding.

The nursery we are looking at has 8 - 12 and 1 - 6 sessions and all day monday to friday, but I only want 2.5 hours a day.

This I can not find in any of our local nurseries and I am being asked to make up the remaining cost of the session.

I only want 8 - 10:30 free. After that my partner and my mum will be taking care of my child.

Can I demand that I have a session for my child for 12.5 hours a week free only without having to pay for childcare I don't want or need

• or -

should I accept that I will have to get a loan out (commercial loan as will not be entitled to student funding as will be at postgrad level) to cover the cost of the childcare for the remaining 1.5 hours 10:30 - 12 per day for childcare I do not want or need?

I will not be classed as working from tax credits so can not get any help from them.

has anyone else had similar problems?

Each area has their own take on the national policy but in theory if they have a vacancy they should offer you your 12 1/2 hours free but can choose the hours this falls in and is unlikely to be times you need.

In essex we have to offer 1 space under these conditions only if we have vacancies.

It hard on you i know but the nursery would have a space running at below cost to accomodate you.

Not sure if its any more feesable but not sure if a grant registered childminder might be more accomodating if it fits in with current children but feel its unlikely

Would a pre-school (typically 9-11..30/12) be an option, the extra charge would be far less if at all, or could your mum/partner not be able to fit in with this?

Hope you get something sorted.

The grant is for Nursery Education, and most Nureries and even Accredited CM's would not be doing 'Eductaion' at that time inthe morning, it is usually breakfast and such.

Nursery Grant usually covers pre school hours probably 9.30 -12.00.