What's happening with the free 30 hours?

[drspouse]

I just saw something saying they are supposed to be starting in September this year but I've seen nothing confirming this - does anyone know about eligibility, how you apply etc., are all nurseries offering 15 hours, obliged to offer 30 hours? What about childminders?

[HSMMaCM]

If I do the 30 hours, I can be flexible, like I am with the 15 hours. I will be able to do different sessions for each child. For a larger setting, set sessions are more likely. There may only be 2 sessions a week available if the setting is in demand.

[Dinnafash]

ExplodedCloud I agree that the top earnings limit of £100k is ridiculously high.
In my LA there are hardly any people earning that much. So there will be a very high percentage of working families that will qualify.
I read something that did say the government have massively under estimated the number of eligible families. So it will be interesting to see how this develops.

[Mumoftwoyoungkids]

I posted the below on another thread. As people have said anything from 16 hours at minimum wage - £100k is eligible. Needs to apply to all parents in the household. Also eligible if on mat leave (assuming normally qualify.)

I live in a trial area for this so started back in September. It has been very contentious as a lot of the nurseries / childminders just couldn't afford it. At one point it looked like there would be a city wide boycott.

From what I can gather (and it has been discussed to death on the local "mummy sites!) it was incredibly important to the government that the trial was a success here (as I think this is the only place to be doing the trial city wide - other places are just doing it for a certain number of selected providers).

Anyway - the rate that was being given has been bumped up massively (it was - according to a quick google of our local council site - £3.38 for the first 15 hours and then £3.95 for the second 15 hours and was increased to £4 for the full 30.)

At the same time a lot of the nurseries have bumped their prices up a bit.

At £4 per hour this gives the nurseries close to their normal rate (and by my calculations more than they would had there been 15 hours at the old rate and the rest at the their real rate - if that makes sense).

There is a certain level of resentment from parents of younger children - particularly as they suspect that the whole thing will be abolished before their kids hit 3.

My son is 3 so we have received the hours so obviously I am very happy about the 30 hours. Nursery is open 10.5 hours per day and year round the 15 hours becomes about 11 so it is covering 2 days a week of nursery for us. I only work 3 days a week so that translates to a fall of two thirds of our childcare bill.

[Rinceoir]

Our nursery can't confirm yet either. We are in London where living costs are eye watering despite very good wages (rent, childcare and council tax are £4K a month for us) so a year of cheaper childcare would be fantastic.

[BumbleBeesNursery]

Momoftwoyoungkids if you don't mind my asking, what is the current hourly rate? And if you don't mind indicating what area. If you prefer my email address is [email protected]. Hey good to talk

[Mumoftwoyoungkids]

Do you mean the normal hourly rate for ds's nursery. (Without the funding)? We pay £43 for a 10.5 hour day so just over £4. From google it looks like the council are paying £4 per hour for all 30 hours. (Used to be £3.38 for 15.)

We are in the north of England.

[Rainshowers]

Does anyone know what happens if one of you does earn over the £100k? Will you still get the original 15hrs free?

[snozzlemaid]

Yes. 15 hours will still be free for all 3 & 4 year olds.