Please help a clueless Mum out😭😭
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She’s only eligible if you’re working a certain amount. Some nursery’s offer the hours stretched over the year so instead of 30 it would be like 22 for example. I’d contact nurseries to find out if they have spaces
Yeah I’ve been talking to nurseries local to me and they all seem to only except funding for 2 year olds and above, and most of them have a minimum of either 2-3 days a week your child has be there, I just don’t understand how anyone is affording to pay for it all😭😭
It’s a new scheme not starting until September so maybe they are talking about now? Most should accept the funding from then. So I’d double check Most places do say 2 day minimum as it helps the child settle in more etc. Depending on your circumstances you might be able to get some UC support.
Early years teacher here - it is a total mine field, you’re not alone! Funding starts from the term after they turn 3. For example, my LG was born 20th of March so her 30hours started on 1st April (or after the Easter holidays, as she attends a term time only nursery). If you’re working a certain amount of hours then you could be eligible for 15 hours from September -December and then you will get 30 from January 2026. If you are only needing term time then you will get the full amount of hours per week (15/30) but if you are needing care all year round then most settings will ‘stretch’ the funding to 11.5/22.5 hours every week. Have a look at this link, it should help you to understand why you’re eligible for: https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
Some nurseries offer term time only, whilst some offer all year. It's up to each nursery, best to check with the nurseries when enquiring. Some nurseries aren't open during the holidays. If eligible for funded hours, you will need to apply before 31st August. This link is good for info https://www.gov.uk/free-childcare-if-working/when-to-apply