How long does it take for grant funding to come through?

[Anonymo]

Hi

My ds was born in January 2009 so was eligible for grant funding from Easter this year. Until April this year he went for 2 full days but, after discussing this with nursery, it was raised to 3 days to make the most of the 15 hours free. I filled in the form and was told they didn't know how long it would be before the funding came through as they have to send forms off to the LA. Fine.

I have still not heard anything back. I have asked 2 different girls at the nursery, 1 thought we get the money direct from the LA and 1 thought it was paid to the nursery (most likely, I would have thought). Their financing is done remotely so I have sent an email and the reply I got back only stated that I need to change my standing order to cover the extra day.

I feel like I am the only parent who has a 3 year old at this nursery (I am not!) so why is it so difficult?

So, can someone on here please tell me -

1. how long should the grant take to come through? (who do I chase up?)
2. who does it get paid to - me or nursery?

Thanks :)

It is paid to the nursery and they then adjust your fees accordingly. However how they do so can vary - some spread the amount evenly over 12 months (ie. if all year daycare), some adjust the cost of the relevant 39 weeks and charge fully for any non term-time sessions, others will deduct it termly in arrears. The accounts department will have sent the application forms to LA so speak to them first. They will also have had to confirm those actually attending at a specified week so that may have been fairly recently and they are awaiting the payments.

Thanks. I have emailed the nursery and asked for clarification. Next step the LA ...