Does government funding also apply to pre-prep?

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Does anyone know if the 5 free sessions per week at age 3 also apply to pre-prep schools (i.e. kindergarten at the prep school)? Are the schools obliged to accept them?

I would imagine it does apply - dd goes to a private day nursery and it applies there. I can't see a pre-prep being any difference tbh. I might be wrong but I think they have to be OFSTED registered to get the funding though - it might be worth checking that out.

Not sure if they are obliged to take it or not tbh. I wouldn't have thought so - I can't see the government forcing any institution to take their money . Most places offer it as it would deter people from sending their children there if they had to pay full whack unneccessarily I would imagine.

my DDs' school accept the vouchers against the fees in the kindergarten and continue until they turn 5 so with dd1 we got money off the fees in the first 2 terms of reception aswell.

yes I get them at pre-prep for dd-in fact I got them all through ds's reception year at prep school as he was 4.

Yes, if the school is non-selective. If it is selective then the govt will snatch back the money they promised for ALL 3 and 4 years olds. It's for all children except those ones we don't approve of.

Yes - the private schools I know of accept them in their nurseries for the term after the child turns 3 onwards...some also accept payment via childcare vouchers etc. Best to check with the bursar of the school you are considering.

yes, my (private) pre-school accepts them.

btw, don't let them invoice you for full fees and fob you off with 'we'll refund the difference when the grant comes through'.

Just googled this:

This Nationwide Government scheme funds part-time early years education for children aged 3 and 4 in the years before they begin school. Eligible childcare providers include day nurseries, LEA and private nursery schools, pre-schools, some independent schools and childminders belonging to a childminding network. These providers must be registered to take part in EYEFS to offer the free places. Funding begins for 3 year olds from the term after their third birthday and continues for all 4 year olds.

EYEFS currently provides five 2.5 hour 'sessions' a week (12.5 hours a week) for 38 weeks of the year. You have to pay for any extra time your child attends the childcare facility.

You should approach your childcare provider for more information about this scheme. When your child is eligible, your provider should give you a Parent/Carer Declaration form to complete and return. Anyone who has a place in a participating nursery or any other eligible childcare provider will be able to get financial help from this scheme, including students from overseas.

DD's school accepts them in the preschool and in preprep 1 whilst children are under 5.

Not all take them though I don't think.

Just be aware that the five 2.5 hour sessions a week have an upper £ limit, so if the nursery/school charges more than that, and most likely it will, you will have to pay the difference.

Thank you all for your replies, I now feel much better informed and will be sure to ask if the schools I'm interested in are registered
Cheers