Does anyone know about free nursery places for under 3's

[horsemadgal]

If mum is ill or has other 'problems'?
And do you have to go through social work to get it?

There is the two year old pilot project this is SCC's guide. Ask you local council for details of their implementation.

Hi horsemadgal-

My son attends a local autority (council) nursery , he got a place when he was 20 months with help from my health visitor - but we did have wait before we were offered a place and really only got it because i had been suffering from stress and anxiety due to a terrible experience i had with my sons previous nursery.

The place is not free though, i still pay £82 a month, thats for him to be in 3 mornings a week from 8.45am- 11.45am, but its money well spent as they do so much with him and the staff are all fantastic.

You get free places if your a single parent, unemployed etc. I am now unemployed but because i married we have to pay.

Do speak to your health visitor to ask if they can maybe do you a letter advising your circumstances and get it sent to your chosen nursery- dont suffer in silence as theres loads of help out there for mums that are struggling- but you do have to ask for it and you will feel so much better when you do.

Hope all goes well

In our area (N Yorks) it is called the Pathfinder project and 2 year olds who come into a certain category are entitled to up to 13 hrs of free nursery.

The new government is not a fan of this so I wouldn't expect it much longer.

You don't have to go through social workers but you do meet criteria and need to be referred, (health visitor, gp etc)

Your council website should have some information on it.

my nursery manager came up to me the other day and asked if I got a higher rate than the basic taxcredits, because she had just got a phone call asking her to put forward the names of parents that do because they might be able to get free hours.

I asked her how she was supposed to know who got what and she said she had to guess . Apparently some one will be intouch with me at some point I tried to google but couldnt find what the local criteria was so I have no idea what it is or if I meet it I wouldnt have thought that I would because there is no real need for me to have any free hours because I already the childcare element of taxcredits.

It was a very strange conversation

Ds2 got free nursery 10hrs a week when he was 2.6 - through a project called "Ten to Two". Its for parents and children with extra challenges - great long list something similar to benefit qualifying - we got it because ds had severe language delay, I had 3 kids aged 4 and under and we got higher level of tax credits. Give your local Family Information Service a ring and they should have the details.

Thanks all, thats a great help.
I think I'd be well down the priority list but worth a go.

mummysweeangel, my situation is similar to yours. Been paid off work through ill health. Been quoted £170 per month for 2 mornings a week at private nursery which I just can't afford. £82 for 3 mornings sounds much more within my reach. Hope you're doing better.

Horsemadgal- thats very pricey and surely wont do your health much good having to pay such alot of money for 2 mornings.

Definetly get speaking to your childs health visitor, make an appointment to go and see her, they really do understand about these things and they are here to help children and parents. Mine was a godsend, and i initially felt embarrassed going to "ask for help" which i realise now was totally silly but onced i spoke to her and told her everything that had been happening it helped so much and she did her very best for me.

Your entitled to help and make sure you get it.

Hope everything gets better you, keep us posted. xx

Thanks again, I'm def going to speak to HV.

how far past 2 is he? at 2.5 he could go to local playgroup maybe? or could you find a childminder- might be able to fit your lo in around school drops and collection?
just a thought!

He will be 2 next month.
He has just started playgroup, it is only 2 hours one day a week but I can't leave the building.

I am on the waiting list for a second 2 hours which will be good for him, but I'm more in need of the time away.
I thought a childminder would be just as pricey but worth a check into it, thanks.