Free childcare for 2 year olds

[xamyrose]

Hi,

Currently have a soon to be 1 year old but really would like to send her part time nursery when I get free hours.

Do you get free hours when they are two or do you have to be claiming some type of benefit (I’m not entitled to anything due to DH earnings)

You have to earn below 16thousand otherwise you have to wait till they Are 3

I’m pretty sure it’s only certain benefits from 2. If no benefits it’s usually the term after they turn 3.

You get free hours at 2 if you meet the criteria but everyone gets 15 hours at age 3 regardless .

Free childcare from 2 is only if you are on benefits or your child has special needs or disability.

Everybody gets 15 hours at 3.

See here for the info: www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs/free-childcare-2-year-olds

There are some areas where it has been extended to 15 hours(FEET funding), ask your hv if you would qualify. You may qualify anyway if you went back to work.

Thanks everyone!

If its for the socialising aspect have you had a look at toddler groups near you?
There's a church that runs a group (not religious) 4 mornings a week near us where most of the toddlers go regularly so they get to know each other like at nursery and have the same benefits of getting used to sitting for snack time together, sharing, group activities etc.

DD1 was in nursery 2 days a week from 2 as I was working and she hated it until about 3 and a half, unless you have a very confident child its not always the best option while they're still a toddler anyway so don't feel like shes missing out by not going yet.

I’m not sure if there’s something like that near us. She’s deffo a mummy’s girl and very clingy. I can’t imagine her liking nursery too much at first but would like it so I get a bit of time myself to clean/ relax (guilty mum moment)

Can you afford to put her in for two mornings a week ?

No wouldn’t be able to justify it to DH without me going back part time :(

A standard nursery is about 6 pounds a hour .

So say she did 9am-12 noon twice a week your looking at 36 pounds a week only

Have you considered a pre school? My two dc have gone to one at 2 and they seem to be a bit cheaper than private nurseries in my area. We pay £24 for two morning sessions a week and use the voucher system to pay for them.

Wow i think i need to move! I pay £33 per morning session for nursery and DD goes 2 mornings a week