early years funding grant and reception private school

[dixiechick1975]

I know there was a thread on this a few months ago but can't find it. Can anyone help?

DD is 5 in January.

Started reception at a private school.

They helpfully said DD was still entitled to the govt early years funding until she reached compulsary school age ie term after 5. (they also will accept compushare childcare vouchers for the fees until then)

Letter yesterday saying LA wont allow them to apply the grant for reception anymore.

This may be the thread you were thinking of:]] www.mumsnet.com/Talk/primary/730248-Private-schools-funding-for-Reception-Class/AllOnOnePage .

I know you COULD use them. DS has just started year 2 at a prep and we used them till his 5th birthday in reception. Hadn't heard anything about it changing - DD is 3 so we were hoping the same would apply for her as well when the time came.

dd's had it this term but this will be the last time she does. I was very surprised as I assumed that once she'd got into reception the grant would go. On the other hand perhaps a letter telling us this is on its way any minute? The bill came out in August

we definitely used them last year

You can receive the ELG in the usual way if/if the school is a registered provider. Some LAs (eg ours!) deregustered all selective schools. Out's also possible for schools to bow out of the scheme if they no longer wish to participate (and the latest changes wef Sept this year may have made it uneconomic to continue).

Could either of these apply to your school?

Thanks.

The school is still on the LA list as a registered provider. From the gist of the letter from the school it appears the LA is trying to distinguish between nursery and reception ie only pay for nursery but it's all classed as EYFS anyway.

I've found some info on both the directgov website and the LA's own website confirming the grant can be used in this situation and have sent a letter to LA today.

Will update once I have a reply.

I suspect it is a try on by the LA as it will only affect the few parents who pay privately in this area.

Good news.

LEA have done a u turn and all reception parents signed to receive the early years grant. Dd will get it until easter next year.