Government nursery vouchers??? or something like that [confused]

[pepperpots]

I am trying to find out about the government scheme where they pay for sessions of childcare in nurseries? Is is just private or public nurseries? How do i start the ball rolling? My ds is 3 and will be 4 in October so i am guessing i have missed the april term start? Does anyone have experience in this? How do i go about starting? Do i call all nurseries in my area? Sorry for all questions am v v confused (as you can probably tell)

If your child attends our nursery, the term after they are 3, the nursery gives you forms to fill in and then when the funding kicks in a few weeks later, knocks the appropriate amount off the bill.

All kids are entitled btw.

so does that mean i will have to pay until the funds have cleared? Can i apply to private nursery or does it have to be a state nursery?

If you look on your council website it will probably give you a phone number for your nursery admissions team. They can give you a list of the nurseries that do free places and tell you how to apply.

It doesn't have to be a private nursery , as long as the childcare (nursery, preschool, playgroup even some CM's I think) is Ofsted approved . It is up to the equivalent of 5 2 1/2 hour sessions (which can be on the same day) and school term time only. This is funded through your LEA so have a look at their website, then the application forms come via the nursery.

Some give it to you by reducing the fees in advance, others retrospectively at the end of the term. There may be some subsidised places in state funded nurseries if you are on a low income too.

can i be erally stupid now and ask what LEA stand for? So do i call nurseries in my area and ask them if they have spaces available and then ask them about the free sessions?

Local Education Authority. You could either call the nurseries themselves or have a look at \link{http://www.childcarelink.gov.uk/index.asp\which lists those in your area} and may note any vacancies

hope you dont mind me asking question, do you if youre on benefits and want your child to go to nursery before 3 do you get any help towards costs?my local one costs £7 a morning and said my ds can start after xmas he'l be 2.4 years

i'm not sure tbh i'm not on benefits anymore. when i was the only way you could get help to my knowledge was if you were working and could claim the childcare element of working tax

thanks pepper pots, i am working but under 16 hours, il ring IS and ask them nearer the time

thanks pepper pots, i am working but under 16 hours, il ring IS and ask them nearer the time