So despite asking our nursery since Summer 2020 about how to get the 30 hour childcare sorted for when our child became eligible in Jan 2021 it seem we were not aware of the need the to obtain a termly code until the nursery raised it in February claiming the code they had was not valid. Unsurprising as we had never provided a code.
Despite asking on several occasions was told not to worry and just await the pack at the time. In October we received a pack (after the date they wanted them back).
The pack, which I still have, says "please read through this pack carefully, check your eligibility online and fill out the funding options form".
I recall checking the online doodah which confirmed we was eligible for the 30 hours. But didn't know we needed to apply for a code.
I completed the form which was basically asking what hours and days we wanted to do.
I sent it back and received a new invoice late December with fees reflecting the 30 hours funding.
We thought nothing more about it until late February when the nursery contacted us to ask us to confirm the code as the one they had was too long. (we didn't supply one)
Needless to say after some confusion it was found that we hadn't applied. I immediately applied and instantly received a code.
Now apparently the codes have to be submitted sometime prior to the term they apply to and because we was halfway through Spring Term.
Nursery have now presented us with a revised bill for £510 in respect of this term, due immediately.
Leaving aside issues of weather this should have been picked up somewhat earlier by nursery or if the guidance given was satisfactory, has anyone ever managed to get funding back dated to cover an existing mid term in a situation like this.
If so how?