Nursery Education Funding For 3 And 4
Nursery places for 3 and 4 year olds
The government funds local authorities to ensure that free early education places are available for every 3 and 4 year old in an accredited childcare provision that have been inspected by Ofsted and found satisfactory.
Is my child eligible?
All children are eligible for the entitlement from 1 September, 1 January or 1 April following their 3rd birthday, until they reach statutory school age. These dates are set nationally by the Secretary of State. A chart below shows when your child is eligible for the free entitlement.
Where can my child attend to access the funded place?
Your child must be attending a registered childcare provider such as a day nursery, a pre-school, an accredited network childminder or a maintained nursery class. For a full list of all registered providers please contact the Family Information Service on 01202 261999.
What is my child’s entitlement?
From September 2009, all 3 and 4 year old children are entitled to a minimum 12 and a half hours per week free for 38 weeks of the year. Some 3 and 4 year old children living in designated postcode areas will be entitled to up to 15 hours per week for 38 weeks of the year. The childcare provider will be able to advise on your child’s entitlement.
Parents may be charged fees for any services or childcare, additional to the free place, but should be able to obtain a place without additional costs if this is their preference. It is recommended that parents discuss any additional fees with their chosen childcare provider prior to taking up the place.
In Poole, these sessions are broken down into the following periods:
- Autumn 2009: 177.5 hours
- Spring 2010: 142.5 hours
How does the funding work?
Once you have chosen your childcare provider, they will explain to you when the free entitlement will begin and confirm the availability of places. You will then be asked to complete a parental contract signing up to the terms and conditions of the free entitlement. Your child’s free entitlement will not begin without this form. Your child’s childcare provider will return all forms to the local authority and claim the free entitlement on your behalf - you do not need to do anything else.
What if my child does not attend for the full entitlement per week?
If you do not wish your child to attend the full free entitlement per week, there may be an opportunity to use your entitlement over an increased period of weeks. It may be possible to start your child on a lower number of hours, increasing at half term or later in the period if spaces are available. Please discuss this with your child’s childcare provider.
Can my child attend for more than the full entitlement?
Yes, but the funding is only paid for a maximum free entitlement per week.
Is my child eligible for the free entitlement with more than one provider?
Yes. You will be required to complete a parental contract for each childcare provider. On the contract you are required to state which other childcare provider your child attends. However, your child will only be able to take the maximum number of hours per week (12.5 or 15 hours depending on your eligibility).
If your child attends a maintained nursery class, funding is allocated to the school. However, if the maintained nursery is unable to provide the full entitlement for your child, a claim may be made for the balance at another childcare provider, if required.
How is the free entitlement paid?
The money is paid directly to the childcare provider your child attends. To qualify for the funding, the provider must be registered with Ofsted and achieve at least a 'satisfactory' inspection in order to be able to register to take the free entitlement with the local authority for 38 weeks per year.
What additional charges might I be asked to pay?
A provider cannot charge for the free entitlement but may charge for additional services or further hours. You should discuss with your childcare provider what additional services are available over and above the free entitlement, and the charges these may incur.
If I am claiming Working Tax Credit will this affect my free entitlement?
If you claim the childcare element of the Working Tax Credit you must declare the free entitlement when you apply for Working Tax Credit or when this is reviewed.
It is important to inform the Tax Credit Helpline you are receiving the free entitlement otherwise your Tax Credit may be reclaimed.
What happens if I live in Poole but my child uses a provision in Bournemouth or Dorset?
If your child is attending a registered provision outside the Borough, then the Local Authority covering that childcare provider will fund your free entitlement hours. Please contact your provider for details.
What happens if I live in Bournemouth or Dorset but my child attends a provision in Poole?
If you live outside the Borough but attend a registered provision within Poole then you will be eligible to the free entitlement detailed in this leaflet.
What happens if my child changes provision?
Your child will still be eligible to transfer a free entitlement to a different childcare provider at the end of the funding period. Some providers may require a period of notice and this will not be covered by the free entitlement if you child has already left.
The free entitlement will not automatically transfer with your child to your new provider if you decide to move your child during the funding period. The free entitlement will only be transferred for the following reason:
- Moving house
- Sibling moving / starting school
- Change in, gained or lost employment
- Change in primary carer
- Safety or quality concerns with childcare provider
- Not taking childcare anywhere within the Borough
You will need to complete a Transfer Form advising of the reason for transfer, preferably before moving or within 2 weeks of transfer. This form can be obtained from your old or new childcare provider.
Chart of eligibility
Key:
Yes - eligible.
DE - Deferred Entry for children born between 1 March - 31 August. School entry may be delayed until January and still have the school place reserved.
| Child’s Date of Birth | AUT 08 | SPR 09 | SUM 09 | AUT 09 | SPR10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/9/03-31/12/03 | ||||||
| 1/1/04-31/3/04 | DE | |||||
| 1/4/04-31/8/04 | DE | |||||
| 1/9/05-31/12/05 | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||
| 1/1/06-31/3/06 | Yes | Yes | Yes | DE | ||
| 1/4/06-31/8/06 | Yes | Yes | Yes | DE | ||
| 1/9/06-31/12/06 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
| 1/1/07-31/3/07 | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||
| 1/4/07-31/8/07 | Yes | Yes | ||||
| 1/9/07-31/12/07 | Yes |
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