How does the free nursery places for 3 year olds work?

[fifitot]

I don't think I will put my DD in the local school nursery as already in a good nursery and they do a pre-school class. However if I choose to do this, I understand I get some kind of voucher towards the private nursery. Anyone know how much this is and how it works? Thanks.

The amount does change every year, but your Nursery will let you know how much the Pre-School Funding is for this year. If it works the same as it does in the Nursery I manage, you will continue to pay monthly Nursery Fees as normal, with the Funding amount deducted as and when it is paid to the Nursery from the Council. Depending on your region, this may be monthly, or termly. Termly is more common. You are entitled to up to 5 session per week free.What normally happens is that the Nursery will give you a form to complete, which the Nursery then send to the Council/Ed Dpt. You will then be notified by the Nursery how much funding you are receiving, and when it will be paid. The money normally goes straight to the Nursery. If the amount is less than your monthly fees, the Nursery should invoice you for the balance(or the balance will come of by DD depending on how you pay your fees) Hope this helps!! Remember, Nursery class hours are shorter than a Nursery Session.

Thanks. That was helpful.

Beware though the 5 weekly sessions are only for 2.5 hours per session. And only for term time also.

Thanks. Anyone give me a rought idea of what the amount is. I am trying to see light at the end of a very dark financial tunnel due to the high cost of childcare!

I think it's about £8.25 a session here; however it varies between different councils.

I think it is about the same where I am.

Do you need nursery for work or is it just for your DD? At the nursery my DDs are at if the child just goes for the 5 2.5 hour sessions, then it is completely free.

She is in all day for 4 days pw as I have to work. Thanks for the info.

Does anyone know how this affects the childcare element of tax credits?

hi fiftot

my dd goes to private day nursery and I claim all 5 sessions

my bill is reduced by around £120 a month but this takes account that she goes 51 weeks a year and the grant is for term time only, although they spread the savings over the year for me.

Its definatly worth takign up, the extra money comes in really handy especially at the moment

oh and for tax credits, you have to tell them the cost of your childcare, so when you find out what your bill will be then just let them know.

the tax credits threshold is £66,000 a year household income so unless you are near that I doubt your award would be affected.

Thanks ginger

are the free sessions when they turn 3? I thought it was only for the year before they start school?

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