nursery schools

[Spring]

Who gets these Nursery Vouchers, are they linked to income, how do you apply?

My 21 month daughter goes to a private nursery 5 days a week. I don't intend to be working by the time she is 3, should I put her name down for a state nursery placement now? I too live in Nottingham (south of the River Trent!) I feel that I miss out on day activities/mother and baby clubs because I work full time and therefore don't really come into contact with other Mums (also I work in a male dominated environment!).

Who gets these Nursery Vouchers, are they linked to income, how do you apply?

My 21 month daughter goes to a private nursery 5 days a week. I don't intend to be working by the time she is 3, should I put her name down for a state nursery placement now? I too live in Nottingham (south of the River Trent!) I feel that I miss out on day activities/mother and baby clubs because I work full time and therefore don't really come into contact with other Mums (also I work in a male dominated environment!).

Everyone gets them and you can use them to pay for part of your private care, i think......

If you are talking about the government grant this is for children aged between 3-4 only and has nothing to do with income, everyone is entitled, but not all nurseries are in the scheme. I looked on your county council's web site, not very good, but had phone numbers for you to try 0115 915 0763. They will tell you whether your nursery is in the scheme, or ask your nursery. If they aren't the council will tell you about other nurseries that are.

Hope this helps.

www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk

Thanks Jac. I'm going to ring them now!!!

The nursery vouchers are applicable for every child over the age of 4. The run for up to 3 terms, from the start of the term following the childs 4th birthday, until they go to school. My daughter started school in Sept 2000, and was 4 on October 1st, 1999. We got a payment for every half term from Jan 2000 until July 2000 (2 terms), and I think it worked out at £187 per 1/2 term. You only get this if your child attends and ofsted inspected nursery - not all of them are. I'm not sure what happens if your child attends a state nursery, but I would imagine it is offset against the cost. The downside is that as soon as your child starts school, it goes to the school. So as our youngest daughter is 4 in july, and starts school in September, we will get nothing. As far as I am aware, there is no voucher system for the under 4's (but I will be happy to be proved wrong!)

Debsb, I think this is different in different counties as in my booklet provided by our County Council says:
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Nursery Education for your child 2000-2001
Which Children Qualify?

The time when your child qualifies for free nursery education depends on his/her date of birth and where he/she lives:

If your child was born between 1 September and 31 December 1996 he/she will certainly qualify from 1 January 2001, and may qualify from 1 September 2000 (see designated areas below)

If your child was born between 1 January and 31 August 1997 he/she will certainly qualify from 1 April 2001, and may qualify from 1 September 2000 (see designated areas below)

Designated areas - children who live in these areas born between 1 September 1996 and 31 August 1997 can have free nursery education from 1 September 2000.
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Accordingy to this Debsb, your daughter should qualify at least from April 2001?

I have recently received a newsletter from my son's nursery which says that the nursery education grant is now available in the term of a child's 4th birthday. It also mentions a grant for 3+, but says that this has yet to come in. I don't know when this is likely to happen.

Spring,
where you live in notts really affects the voucher provision, the nursery at qmc seem to get them from 3 on, and keyworth (state) nursery has free sessions from three onwards 5 days a week. Your local council early years section will have all the info

The montessori nursery that my son is on a waiting list at has nursery education grants from the age of 3. I think it depends on each individual nursery.

Does anybody know how much it is - I was under the impression that it was about £7?

My son will be 3 on 30th March and our council offers a grant for three year olds. It equates to £396 per term and I think its the same for 4 year olds. I believe it does depend on your council and which Nursery you send your child to. I am in Rochdale which is in the Manchester area.