Pre-schoolers and private childcare

[SlaveToFinnAndEve]

We are going through the foster application process and go to panel in 6 weeks time. I'd initially indicated that we wanted 5 years and over. We both work - I work school hours/term time so I thought that a school age child would be ideal however the social worker is pushing me to go for younger. I made it clear that I don't want to give up work -
it's mine and I love it. I'm not seeing the social worker for another fortnight and after they left I wish I'd asked whether the local authority would cover the costs of private nursery or whether that would come out of the child's allowance.

Does anyone have any experience of this? I don't mind taking younger children but they would need to be cared for by a nursery 9-3 each day.

As far as
I am aware no, it would be your responsibility.

I was told they would cover it until they saw they costs involved. SW wants me to reduce my work hours but my children are only temporary and could go elsewhere and I'd be left with reduced hours or no work.

I know nothing about fostering but I'm a childminder and in the past I have been paid by SS for a child who was being fostered by a family member. That could be different though. Good luck.

I can't see how you could work with a pre schooler, you will prob have daily contact, health visitor visits, ssw visits and csw visits as well as medicals LAC meetings etc etc and with pre schools they are usually done during the day.