Confused.....can anyone help?

[cheekychops03]

My son will be 3 in March and I was told by a friend with school age children that I would get nursery vouchers towards the costs of his 'education' either at a pre-school or nursery etc. However, I can't find anything on the internet about it, only tax credits and childcare vouchers from employers.

Are there nursery vouchers out there, if so do you have to apply for them? If not, what do I do? I looked at a local nursery who said that their fees go down £6 a day when the child reaches 3 but I didn't ask whether these vouchers things come on top.

Totally confused!!!!! So, any help would be gratefully accepted.

If it's still the same as it was when dd was in nursery school (she started Reception in September), nursery vouchers start from the September after the child is 3, but not all nurseries accept them. State-run pre-schools will, and very often private ones which are OFSTED inspected accept them too but you would need to check with the pre-school you intend to send your son to.

When dd was at pre-school I didn't have to apply for the vouchers, the school applied for them. Be aware, though, that the vouchers will probably not completely cover the fees, so you may end up with a top-up to pay.

Vouchers are vaild from the term after their 3rd b'day (so in your case I think from April) and the nursery(or whatever) applies for it on your behalf from the LEA. Some will take it off their fees or rebate you at the end of term. Difficult to say whether the nursery you spoke to reduces its fees anyway at 3 because of differing staff ratios or if that is net of the voucher. The nursery, playgroup, preschool or Childminder needs to be Ofsted approved to qualify. You should find further details on your LEA website.

hth

This might help you

Thanks