Childcare Advice needed

[Tw1nkle]

Hiya,
I'm getting totally confused by my childcare options!

Can someone please explain how my options change as my child gets older?

Am i right in thinking that I'll pay full nursery fees until they are two, then the fees reduce, and reduce again at 3?

Are there any other schemes that run full time from when they are two, or three, like pre-school?

I'm trying to get the amount of fees down and am trying to find out all my options - any advice will be appreciated!!!

 

[Becky]

As far as I'm aware you pay full fees until the September after their 3rd birthday. At that point they are entitled to Grant Sessions which is 5 2.5 hour sessions a week - you can either use these sessions at their pre-school nursery or your normal care provider.

Then the September after their 4th birthday they can start school - which is free!

 

[Sabrina]

It can be a confusing system. I found this website helpful:-

http://www.surestart.gov.uk/surestartse ... carecosts/

 

[Rachael]

It can differ from Nursery to Nursery....But at mine the costs reduced after my son turned one, then again when he turned two. This is because the carer/ child ratio changes as the child gets older. For rxample rather than there being two children to every carer, there is three children to every carer etc...
-Then when he turns three I will get the five 2.5 hour sessions paid for (Term Time only). I also get a reduction for sending both children.

-I also have Leapfrog Vouchers which means I pay my childcare from my salary without tax being deducted from that portion.