15 hours childcare

[Question2022]

My child is about to turn 3 and I am looking at nurseries. Currently on universal credit and currently applying for job.
But before then I would like my child to get used to.nursery so I've seen the 15 hours funded childcare.
But people are saying it is not exactly free I am scared I might end up paying extra while on universal credit. I am looking around at nurseries and thinking do I just explain that it is for term.time only hours I want? To avoid being billed?

So you'll be eligible for 15 from September now. Just ask when you enquire what the cost is. They can charge for some extras so best just to check.

Just to add, if you are working and apply for the working parents funding by 31st August then you'll get an extra 15 hours totaling 30 hours funding.

its up to each nursery or childminder how they administer their funded hours. You should be able to access them free of charge, but you can’t dictate which hours it is. For example, a setting could offer 3 hours per day from 7.30am to 10.30am. Another one could offer 3 days of 5 hours per day from 1.30 to 6.30pm.

Settings may also have only a limited number of funded places available. They can decide how they want to offer them. Some settings prioritise children who book full days, for example.

Settings are allowed to request a voluntary contribution for snacks etc but must offer parents the option to access them 15 or 30 hours free of charge eg bring in in their own snack. However, settings can insist on, for example, fruit only.

You will need to approach any settings you’re interested in to find out how their funded hours are offered.

Schools with nursery places often offer the 15 hours as 3 hours every day, either morning or afternoon sessions. They are unlikely to incur additional costs.

Never knew schools offered nursery places