15 hours of free nursey per week - Not getting the benefit

gravitytolls

The other reason to pay the childminder is for continued employment whilst at Nursery ~ if the child is ill, she's the point of contact, if nursery has to close due to an emergency etc.

The other option is to find a day nursery rather than childminder, then you get to pay only for the hours not covered by the governments hours.

Deepmistrust

gravitytolls wrote: »

The other reason to pay the childminder is for continued employment whilst at Nursery ~ if the child is ill, she's the point of contact, if nursery has to close due to an emergency etc.

The other option is to find a day nursery rather than childminder, then you get to pay only for the hours not covered by the governments hours.

Except many nurseries charge more per hour than childminders (though not always the case) so the benefits may be cancelled out anyway.

I think also to bear in mind is that full-time day nursery care is totally different than full-time childminders. Personally I don't like the thought of a child couped up in the same building 5 days a week, 10 hours a day (for full-timers). I personally prefer the idea they are doing normal activities such as the park, the shops, the school run, toddler groups etc etc.

DaisyFlower

kitch wrote: »

Don't get me wrong, I don't have an issue with the childminder at all and she does a fantastic job. My main issue is that if this situation is so wide spread as people have mentioned above, surely the government are aware that a lot of people are unable to make the most of a particular scheme aimed at helping families out.

Its not aimed at helping families out, it was a scheme to ensure every child have access to early education. Its a choice to use it or not as you see fit.

dippy3103

I have exactly thesame problem, but understand why my Childminder charges for those few hours.

Is still frustrating though, but my childminder is worth hanging onto.

AnxiousMum

One of the main parts of the scheme too, is education. Pre-school is fantastic for children who are at home, and not around other children alot. There is a curriculum that is followed, they get interaction with other children their own age, they learn how to behave in a learning environment etc. I think that the scheme is more aimed at preparing children for school than providing free childcare.

kelloggs36

if you dropped off DD and CM only started from moment they collect your child, ie you are point of emergency contact and would take time off if child were ill etc then you would have an argument - if CM is dropping off and collecting though and it is only a short session then it is common practise. Not so keen on the idea of a full school day though - as some CMs charge for a full day even if children are at school!