MY DS was 3 in May this year so qualifies for a free 12.5 hours of nursery care (nursery education grant). As he's in a private nursery 3 full days a week, the owner told me that she knocks 12.5 hours off my bill for 30 hours per week.
Well today I got my September bill- we pay in advance- and she hasn't taken any money off. She told me that this is because she can only APPLY for DS's grant in September, and as our local authority is slow to process applications, it could be months before I get any reduction in my bill.
Can any nursery owners or staff tell me:
- Is it true that the grant can only be applied for on the date my DS becomes eligible?
- Will the government have to backdate the grant to 1st sept when it does arrive?
Bit concerned as I went back to work on the bloody proviso that my childcare costs would drop from sept - as it stands I'm losing money by working LOL!