child trust fund for child born too early for an actual child trust fund...any advice?

[PSCMUM]

does anyone know of a child trust fund or equivalent that children born before 2003 can have? I've got one child born before that CTFs were invented, and 2 born after. The 2 CTFs we have are performing nicely - but my eldest's high interest savings account is lagging behind.

Anyone have this problem too?
Any solved it more to the point?
I have just spent a very frsutrating couple of hours ringing around banks being offered absolutely crap accounts that you can only put money into in a full moon, they mature when they child is 8 and a half, they only have one branch and that is in the outer hebrides etc etc.

grrr.

any advice gladly recived. thanks ladies!

shameless bump - does anyone know of a good product?
thanks!

Have you looked at www.moneysupermarket.com. They compare different accounts for you.

it was for chidlren born on and after 1st sept 2002, not 2003

Here is the government website

It is only if born after 1 Sept 2002 that the child gets the £250 voucher. I wonder whether the rules allow a child before before that date to open a CTF account anyway (but of course without being eligible for the voucher). A CTF account, apart from the attractive products (as you describe) is also worth it for the £1,200 tax wrapper, even if your dc does not get the voucher. Worthwhile asking the bank, if you have not already done so.

thanks misdee! my son doesn't qualify anyway. and i have asked the bank, many banks, looked on moneysupermarket, and rang the people who run the CTFs, and the answers are all no! you can just get these rubbish hi interest savings accounts that are fine, but not in comparison with the CTFs. Seems unfair on kids born before then. I don't want the £250.

How much do you want to put into it, and do you want cash or share based?
There are some reasonable rate paying accounts about (not necessarily children specific) or if you want equity how about using your own ISA allowance (if you aren't already).

am already using own ISA allowance.
I want share based.
Well actually i don't care, i want whatever gives the best return. I just dont want us to have a tenner to hand to him for university, and £20grand to give the other two!

We have the girls CTF with Foreign and Colonial and they are always trying to get us to set up other funds with them. Where are your CTF's at the moment? Do they not offer an equivalent?

they are with co op mutual, or somesuch, they have some kind of sibling thing, but it only lasts 3 years and is crap.

Cash or shares?

Childrens bonus bonds??

you could have a look on moneyfacts