When is ds entitled to the voucher scheme?

[colditz]

His birthday is before Easter, he will turn 3. He already attends a preschool which I pay for, 2 afternoons a week.

While I don't want to whack him in 5 days a week immediately, I do want to stop paying for it if it's supposed to be free.

They have told me it should be free in September, but I thought it was the term after the child's 3rd birthday?

[Feistybird]

It is the term after the child's bday - DD2 just got hers this term.

[MerlinsBeard]

depends on ur area i think. (could be wrong don't hit me!)

As far as i understand its the term after their 3rd birthday but some places don't accpet them and most of the places here that do, only have september intake. Them being preschool nurseries (like the yr b4 reception). I too pay for a place for my ds1 in playschool, his birthday is end of april and although my knowledge of term dates in none i know that the current setting don't accept the vouchers.

Sorry if i just confused you! i will try to find a link for you to look at!

[MerlinsBeard]

\link{http://www.northtyneside.gov.uk/ed1/spendshare.htm\this says from the start of the autumn term following their 3rd birthday}

[colditz]

I would have thought the intake wouldn't matter, as he has the 2 afternoons a week already, surely it shouldn't matter to the nursery who is paying them?

It's confusing. I know they do accept the vouchers.

[LIZS]

Think cut off is April 1st for summer term in whoch case if he turns 3 after that you may have to wait until September. It won't necessarily cover all the costs though as as "session" is defined as 2 1/2 hours but you don't have to use all 5 to qualify.

[colditz]

ahhh, thanks for all your replies, he isn't entitled until September, I checked on my local authority website.
On the other hand, he doesn't have to go to scholl until the September after he turns 5, which is a comfort

[stoppinattwo]

Both my two DC have been eligable for the grants the first term after they turned 3 but it does depend upon you local authority. some areas it is 4.

[coppertop]

Ds2 had his 3rd birthday a few weeks ago. After Easter he will be entitled to the funding for a free place. A lot seems to depend on where you live.