15hrs question (2yr olds)

[Eesha]

Hi,

I'm looking at nursery options and the recommended one nearby have said they are open longer than the 38weeks per year so offer the 15hrs as a discount each month. So for three mornings a week (8-1), it will cost me an extra 300 a month. Is this normal? Ideally I was looking to put my kids in somewhere for just a few mornings a week (15hrs or less) at no cost.

Check when the 15hs is applicable. My DDs nursery opened longer throughout the year but the 15hrs could only be used during term time.

You can only put them in 15 hours for free if they're only open for those weeks. If it's a year long nursery they stretch the hours over the year, meaning you will have to pay something but less than full price

@legalseagull that seems to be what they have done, stretched it out. I queried what if I didn't leave the children in the full year, they said I could pull them mid year but no refund of the 15hr stretch cost.

Sounds like they are doing stretched funding, so having less per week but for more weeks of the year.
If you want 15 hours a week, term time only, then I would look for a term time only pre-school. Church hall, village hall, that sort of venue is typical for a pre-school. They may have charges for some things but due to only being open term time the funding is not being split over a full 12 months.

@nannynick thank you, that's helpful. I guess the nurseries I was looking into do seem fancy but as a single parent, the additional cost is quite a lot

Stretched funding works out at around 11 hours a week can you not just put Lo in for the minimum hours as they are not supposed to force you into taking longer? Contact your LA to discuss the offer or look around at other settings, Nursery, playgroup, childminder all are able to support 2 year olds and research shows all have as good outcomes.