Finding a Childcare Provider

In Bath and North East Somerset there are over 100 private or voluntary run nurseries and pre-schools to which you can send your child. A list of providers registered to receive Nursery Education Grant funding from Bath and North East Somerset, along with details of their provision, can be obtained from the Family Information Service on 0800 0731214 or e-mail fis@bathnes.gov.uk.  You are advised to contact the individual setting to check availability.

Local Education Authority Nursery Classes

There are 9 nursery classes attached to schools in Bath and North East Somerset.  Local Authority school nursery classes all provide free, part-time early education places. If your child is attending a school nursery class you will not be able to claim any additional Nursery Education grant as your child is already receiving their ‘free’ five 2 ½ hour sessions in the nursery class.

Claiming Nursery Education Grant Funding

Private and voluntary nurseries and pre-schools claim directly from Bath and North East Somerset for the education they provide for your child. They are required to complete a headcount form shortly after the start of each ‘term’ for all children attending their setting. Each claim is based on the number of sessions attended by each child in the week in which the headcount day occurs. The headcount days (there is one per ‘term’) are published by Bath and North East Somerset prior to 1st April. To be eligible for inclusion on a headcount form, and hence to receive your child’s funding, your child must be in attendance at the provider during the specified headcount week. Proof that your child is eligible for Government funded sessions is determined by the provider checking your child’s birth certificate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Nursery Education Grant worth and what period does it cover?

The grant funds your child to attend a maximum of five 2 ½ hour sessions of education per week for 38 weeks per year.  Each session is worth £8.50 and parents are not required to pay any fees for these sessions – your provider will be paid directly by Bath and North East Somerset three times a year. 

In the current financial year (1st April 2008 to 31st March 2009) the grant has been split into 3 terms:

• Summer - 13 week term, the grant is worth a maximum of £552.50
• Autumn - 13 week term, worth a maximum of £552.50
• Spring - 12 week term, worth a maximum of £510

If your child attends less than five sessions per week a pro-rata amount of the grant will be paid to the provider.

Can my child attend more than one provider?

Yes they can. You can split your entitlement of 5 sessions per week between as many providers as you wish. The grant covers a maximum of five 2 ½ sessions and where more than one setting is used the grant must be shared on a pro-rata basis between them. Please inform each provider if your child is attending more than one early education setting.

Can I use a provider that is located outside the boundaries of Bath and North East Somerset?

Yes you can. If your preferred provider is located in a county other than Bath and North East Somerset they will receive grant funding from the Council responsible for the administration of the grant for that county. You will, however, need to contact the relevant Local Education Authority to ensure that your chosen nursery or pre-school is part of their Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership. Remember only five sessions per week can be claimed within the scheme and you will need to pay any additional costs.  If your child attends two providers, one within Bath and North East Somerset and one outside the area, Bath and North East Somerset will pay the provider located within Bath and North East Somerset a proportion of the grant.

What happens if a child switches providers in the middle of a term?

Payments made to providers are based on the number of children in attendance in the week of the headcount day. 

If a child changes provider during the term, providers may negotiate with one another if they wish to retain or transfer funding in respect of that child.  Although this option is encouraged as a gesture of good will between providers, it remains discretionary and cannot be enforced.

Is there any flexibility for children with special education needs?

Yes.  Bath and North East Somerset recognises that some children with special educational needs may require additional support during their early education sessions.  Please contact the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) in your child's setting for further information.  You may also contact the Family Information Service for advice on 0800 0731214.

Further information:

• Should your child attend more than five sessions per week your provider is entitled to charge you for these sessions.
• Should the term be longer than the 12/13 weeks funded by the grant, your provider is entitled to charge you for these extra sessions.
• Your provider’s fee policy should clearly state the charge for each type of session that they offer.

The value and payment of fees for sessions not funded by the Nursery Education Grant is a matter between the parent and provider.