Ask us anything about funded childcare - eligibility, applying, and what to expect £100 voucher to be won!

[LibbyMumsnet]

From September, eligible working parents in England with children aged 9 months to school age will be able to access up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week - part of the government’s expanded childcare offer in England.

We know that for many parents, it’s not always straightforward. You might be wondering:
– Am I eligible?
– How do I apply – and what’s the deadline?
– What will funded hours actually look like in practice?
– How do I feel about sending my child to nursery or a childminder?

This Q&A is here to help. Whether you’re after clear, practical info about the funding or want a better sense of what formal childcare is really like, post your question below and we’ll do our best to get it answered.

No question is too small – if it’s on your mind, chances are it’s on someone else’s too.
We’ve brought together two brilliant experts to support this discussion:
👩‍💼 Sarah Walker, an experienced Early Years teacher, who can answer any questions about formal childcare
👩‍👧 Tina Williams, Head of Editorial at Mumsnet and a parent currently using funded hours, who’ll be sharing her real-life experience

They’ll be answering questions weekly throughout July and August in the lead-up to the 31st August application deadline.

💬 Ask your question below by 31st August and you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win a £100 VEX gift voucher (T&C’s apply)

@LibbyMumsnet @TinaWilliamsMumsnet

Do we know why this post is attracting so many random messages that have nothing to do with the topic? I've never seen it so much in one thread.

I’m pregnant with my second baby but have just found out I’m being made redundant. I am still eligible for statutory maternity pay due to the timing. Will I be considered as being ‘on maternity leave’ for the eligibility criteria for the free childcare hours? If so, how long will that last? Just while I’m getting mat pay? (39 weeks) or for the full 52 weeks of entitled maternity leave?

My child turns 9 months this month and my return to work is 30 September. What is my window to apply for a childcare account to still be eligible for the funded hours?

Hi,

I’m a teacher- my maternity started in Nov 24. I curtailed my maternity and I’m currently at work until 1st September when I start a block of SPL. I’m returning to work at the end of October and my baby starts nursery then too. Would I be eligible for the free hours straight away or do I have to wait until Jan?

thanks

Hi @MissMoan Yes – there’s an online eligibility checker on the Childcare Choices website:
https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

It lets you see what support you could get, based on your family’s circumstances.

Hi @Wildtropical - no it is not - the government are really clear on this, you cannot be asked to pay a top-up fee, general fee, sustainability fee, business continuity fee, or any other fee that is not specifically for (and itemised for) food, non food consumables (that are not part of the EYFS, and not a normal business running cost), or activities that go above and beyond the EYFS. If you're unsure about a charge you have received, then speak to your local authority.

Does this apply all year round, every week? Can toddler go to 2 different places in a week as long as its 30nhours and It will still be fully covered? (childminder and nursery/preschool)

can I use the hours for my 3 year old even whilst on maternity leave with my baby?

Can someone please help me with an invoice from nursery?
Child is in full time 4 years old so gets 30 hours a week free.
Other parent controls the invoice so need some advice.
What is ‘monthly funded hours’ on the invoice is this the 30 hours a week funded? If so, why is it 70 hours for the month?
Other parent pays using the government bank account and are claiming the monthly funded hours is the government bank account top up? Is this right?
Trying to make sure I’m not paying too much in comparison to other parent

Can the 30 hours be split between two childcare providers unevenly or only as 15 hours each? Thank you.

I am a teacher. If I am on a one year maternity cover contract and then get pregnant and go on maternity leave towards the end of my contract, once the contract has ended during my maternity leave will my elder children still be eligible for nursery funding as I will technically not be employed?

Are people arriving from an EU country eligible straight away?

Can unused hours be carried forward to the next term if you have them if a DC goes 2 days per week ?

No they can't.

I mean this in the gentlest way but you need to post this in a different forum. This thread is about funded childcare. You will receive more support and help in a different forum.

This guy contacted me again after 2 months asking to meet up so we went for dinner and went to a hotel together. Then the next day he went quiet in the evening so I texted him asking what he's up to and didn't hear anything back from him. So I called him and then he came online and blocked me. I messaged him after he blocked me and he said "get the hint I'm busy" and then said he was sleeping. Do you think he was actually sleeping or he was with someone else?

Can I use my funding for playgroup ? I don't use a nursery but attend playgroup with my DC's 3 mornings a week ?

No it's for childcare for working parents.

Should have been clearer, I work the latter part of the week, and go to playgroup when I am not working.

It’s for childcare whilst you’re working, it can only be paid to an Ofsted registered EYFS setting.

But it's still not childcare? It's a session you're attending with your child.

My little boy has been sweating during night times over the last week like to the point the beds are soaking wet, checked temp and it's between 35.2-35.9 when he's sleeping. I've noticed today these little spots, he's got on the bavk of his ear onto head, also under his neck and 1 om his stomach. He's well in himself, eating and drinking fine etc. He's had chickenpox once already, does anyone have any idea what this could be?

You would be best posting in the health section as you will get a lot more advice. This thread is for funded childcare.