Does anyone know what 'NEG2011' refers to on a nursery invoice??

[<Catherine>]

I've had DS's nursery invoice for Jan 2012 (when he starts) and it shows the cost for the days he will be there, followed by a reduction (of almost half  ) as follows:-

NEG2011 (hrs)              24 @ £3.48

I have no idea what this would be. I don't want to ask in case it's a mistake as we could really do with not having to pay the full amount  but then I don't want to find in 6 months time that we've not paid enough and have to pay the extra

Any education types out there have any ideas??

 

[Mashi]

 Nursery Education Grant?  The amount that is subsidised by the gov't is 3.48 per hour from 2011 )just googled it, so I could be wrong but it makes sense). 

[<Catherine>]

How did you find that??!! I got nothing when i googgled it! 

And, yes, that obviously makes complete sense 

Ok. So why didn't I know anything about this?! And I thought DS was only entitled to a free nursery place from the term following his third birthday (which he will be starting in Sept 2012 at a different nursery, 5 mornings a week)??

Oh, and this is THE best news ever!    We were really going to be struggling to cover the nursery fees but have had no choice but to use a nursery 1 day a week from the new year.

Thanks Mashi 

[Mashi]

Hmmmm...from everything that I have read I don't think he should be eligible for it either   

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Preschooldevelopmentandlearning/NurseriesPlaygroupsReceptionClasses/DG_10016103
Says that he is not entitled until next September to get his fee reduction?  Might be worth a call to someone to find out?

[<Catherine>]

All I can find about it online is for 3 and 4 year olds - Ollie's not 3 till May, and it says the grant is for the term following their 3rd birthday?? I'm very confused 

Hmmm, posted at the same time Mashi  Looks like it's not such great news afterall 

[Shiv52]

There was just a change announced that from the new year they will fund places for 2YOs too.  Part of the supporting working mums scheme.  Wonder if that is the reason.  I'll try find the articles. 

[<Catherine>]

Oh Shiv, I really hope you are right

[Shiv52]

I'm not.  Well I'm right they are giving it to 2YOs but from 2013? 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-15937325

[<Catherine>]

I'm going to have to come clean about it aren't I?   

What would you do?

[Mashi]

I would call and ask...while it is nice to have the unexpected surprise but it will not be nice to have to pay it back if they are wrong!

[<Catherine>]

Yep, so disappointed though It was a fantastic surprise when I opened the envelope this morning!

[Shiv52]

I would be tempted to say nothing but agree with Mashi, the thought of a huge bill after a few months would put me off. 

Sorry hun,  that would have been a nice surprise x

[<Catherine>]

Just re-read the invoice......

The 'correct' bit says '3-5 yrs long day'...... so, I think this is where the problem is - they have him down as being 3 by the seems of things. I don't know why though, but that would explain why they think he is entitled to the reduction.

Ugh Will email them tomorrow.

[Shiv52]

UGH! 

Probably best in case they have different groups or whatever.  Wouldn't want him stuck in the older group when he should be with the 2.5 YOs xx

[firsttimemummy]

Def email them ( ) as it could affect their ratios with him being 2 etc (don't think it will but can't remember what age the ratios change).  At least you know what you will be paying once he turns 3.

posted same time as Shiv