Early years grant at private school

[stressedmum2]

Does any one know how long you get the grant when you send child to private school I always thought child was entitled until they turned 5. But I recently spoke to someone in childrens information service and they said only until my DD turned statutory school age which in my area is when she turns 4 which is in June.

She only started school in September and at moment not sure we are in position to keep her there when fees increase but want to keep her there as long as possible. Didn't think it would finish this early any advice appreciated as feel a bit confused!!!!

Your dd does not by law have to attend school full time until the term she turns 5. The Early years grant is paid up until the term she turns 5. My dd is in a private school and her birthday is in February so we will only receive the grant for this term (Sept-Dec) but she will remain in the school until she turns 13.

hth

I would have thought statutory school age is the same nationwide, ie 5. It is just some councils do rising 5s and some don't. My ds is 5 next June and gets funding up to and including the summer term. It is worth about £500 per term. I did a spreadsheet setting out all the school fees costs over the years, allowing for increases and extras, to work out if we could afford it. Very useful (if a bit scary!) exercise.

5 here - so dd (july birthday) will get it right through reception - woo hoo!