Does anyone know about nursery vouchers ?

[Collywobs]

My little girl goes to a Nursery 2 mornings a week (10 hrs per week). She will be 3 years old in February and I understand that when she turns 3 she gets vouchers for so many hours free. Does anyone know how the system works, and does she get vouchers as soon as she turns 3 or does she have to wait until the following school term begins. Your help would be really appreciated. Thanks !!

[littlestarshine]

its the moment the child gets to 3, plus its not like u get them and u sort it out the nursery does it all for you the i think the scheme is for 12 1/2 hours a week but dont quote me, ask them they will be able to help you a bit more!

[Collywobs]

Thanks for your help littlestarshine. I will speak to the girls at Nursery.

[rachelg]

You've probably got this info by now, but basically the vouchers work as follows...

your child is entitled to them from the term AFTER their third birthday (so a child who is 3 is December will be entitled from January term, but one who is 3 in January will get them after Easter).

A child is entitled to 5 two and a half hour sessions per week (could be 5 mornings or 5 afternoons, or taken as full days) - for 38 weeks each year (ie the school terms).

You don't really need to do anything other than find a nursery place for your child as the nursery claims the cash back directly from the Local Authority for the free sessions.

They can go to nursery for longer than 12.5 hours per week - but you would have to pay for the extra bits - AND you have to pay for the other weeks in the year if the nursery is open all year round.

If you need more info I'd contact Childrens Information Service on 2756699 and check with them.