Nursery Education Funding For 3 And 4 Year Olds
Nursery places for 3 and 4 year olds
The government funds local authorities to ensure a free part-time early education place is available for every 3 and 4 year old in settings that have been inspected by Ofsted and found satisfactory.
What is my child’s entitlement?
From April 2007 to March 2008-09, 3 and 4 year old children are entitled to free early years education, comprising 12 and a half hours per week (5 sessions of 2 and a half hours) for 38 weeks of the year. 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.
In Poole, these sessions are broken down into the following periods:
- Summer 2008: 13 weeks (65 sessions)
- Autumn 2008: 14 weeks (70 sessions)
- Spring 2009: 11 weeks (55 sessions)
Is my child eligible?
All children are entitled to free early education 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 entitled to a funded place.
Where can my child attend to access the funded place?
You child must be attending a registered childcare provider like 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.
You will need to arrange the funded place with your chosen provider prior to the start of the funded period.
How does the funding work?
The childcare provider will be able to explain the funding to you, advise as to when your child is eligible and confirm the availability of places. You will then be asked to complete a form confirming the sessions required and funding cannot be paid without this form. Your child’s setting will return all forms to the local authority and claim the funding on your behalf - you do not need to do anything else.
What if my child does not attend for the full 5 sessions per week?
If you do not wish your child to attend the full 5 sessions per week, there may be an opportunity to use your entitlement of sessions over an increased period of weeks. It may be possible to start your child on a lower number of sessions, 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 5 sessions?
Yes, but the funding is only paid for a maximum of 5 sessions per week.
Do the sessions have to be on different days?
No, you can take two sessions on one day.
Is my child eligible for funding with more than one provider?
Yes. You will be required to complete paperwork for each setting showing how the entitlement is split. If your child attends a maintained nursery class, funding is allocated to the school. However, if the maintained nursery is unable to provide 5 sessions for the child, a claim may be made for the balance at another setting, if required.
Who receives the funding?
The money is paid directly to the setting your child attends. To qualify for the funding, the provider must be registered with Ofsted and achieve at least a 'satisfactory' inspection.
What additional charges might I be asked to pay?
A provider cannot charge for the 2 ½ hour session (or 12 and half hours per week), but may charge for additional care and services, or further hours. You should be notified by your provider of any additional charges that may be incurred at the beginning of each funding period.
If I am claiming Working Tax Credit will this affect my claim?
If you claim the childcare element of the Working Tax Credit you must declare the 3 and 4 Year Old Funding 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 funding 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 setting will fund your sessions. Please contact your providers 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 entitled to the funding detailed in this leaflet.
What happens if my child changes provision?
Your child will still be entitled to a free place and the funding may be transferred between providers. Some providers may require a period of notice and this will not be covered by the funding if you child has already left.
Remember you cannot claim for more than 5 sessions in any week even if you use more than one 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 | SUM 08 | AUT 08 | SPR 09 | SUM 09 | AUT 09 | SPR10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/9/03-31/12/03 | Yes | |||||
| 1/1/04-31/3/04 | Yes | DE | ||||
| 1/4/04-31/8/04 | Yes | DE | ||||
| 1/9/04-31/12/04 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
| 1/1/05-31/3/05 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | DE | |
| 1/4/05-31/8/05 | Yes | Yes | Yes | DE | ||
| 1/9/05-31/12/05 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
| 1/1/06-31/3/06 | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||
| 1/4/06-31/8/06 | Yes | Yes | ||||
| 1/9/06-31/12/06 | Yes | |||||
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