Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to already be attending the childcare provider?

No. As long as the childcare provider is registered to provide free places and they have places available, your child can attend just for your free places and no more.

Do I need to pay any additional fees to claim my child's free places?

No. Parents are not required to take up and pay for extra services such as additional hours, uniform, food (packed lunch is parent choice) or admin/ registration fees. If you wish to take up additional services or childcare then you will be charged for the services you use. Any services should be charged at their standard rate and NOT at a higher rate.

When can my child go to a Staffordshire Local Authority nursery class attached to a primary school or a Staffordshire Local Authority nursery school?

Not all primary schools have nursery classes, but those that do have one intake per year and this is in September. In terms of age, children must be 3 years old on, or before, 31^st August to be eligible.

When will my child start full-time school?

Admission to reception class will be in the September following your child's 4th birthday.

How does my child access a place at a Local Authority setting?

Application forms are available at the school and completed forms should be returned to them. The closing date for the September intake is March 31^st. For further details on admissions including the criteria used in the allocation of places, please contact the Pupil Support Unit on 01785 278673

Is every 3 and 4 year old child entitled to the funding from the term after their third birthday?

Yes. There are no stipulations attached to where you live or means testing. However, the setting must be registered to provide the funded places.

What are the term dates?

1st January - 31st March
1st April - 31st August
1st September - 31st December

For example, if a child is 3yrs between 1st January - 31st March, they will be eligible for free places from 1st April. These dates are fixed and independent of school term dates.

Can I book my child into more than 1 setting?

Yes. Your maximum entitlement of 15 hours a week can be split between two childcare providers (including Local Authority Nurseries).

Can I claim for more than 1 session a day?

Yes, but conditions may apply. You should ask at your childcare provider/setting as to how they offer the free funded packages.

Can my child change setting during the term, and if so, what happens to the funding?

From Spring Term 2011, if you wish to change setting part way through a term, you can do so. The funding should follow your child to their new setting. It is the responsibility of the setting your child is leaving to inform the Local Authority that you child has left/is leaving the setting - otherwise they would be 'over-claiming'. The new childcare setting can then claim form when your child starts.

When I receive funding, what must I still pay for?

Any time that your child spends at the provider in addition to free places must be paid for.

Can the provider stipulate that my child spends more time with them than the funded session?

No. If you just wish to take just the free sessions, you may.

Can I also claim Tax Credits?

Yes, however you must inform the Inland Revenue because you cannot get the childcare element for the hours in which you are receiving the free places.