Oak Tree Nursery

[lfc808]

my son is currently going to the Oak Tree Nursery, he has turned 4 last Feb, isn't he entitled to 15hours of education each week from the government? He is only doing 3 afternoons a week,total of 9 hours, and i have to pay 72 pounds a week when it's not funded. and 68 pounds a month when the government grant starts again.i'm totally confused here, i've been told by a few friends that i shouldn't be paying a single penny to the nursery since my son is now 4, he should be entitled to 15 hours of education each week. Can anyone please tell me what is this all about? By the way, does anyone know any bad reviews about this nursery? My son has been in there for quite some time now but it seems to me that they hardly teach him anything, all he does is playing around and do a bit of painting thats all.

please your advices would be much appreciated.

lfc808

[katgod]

You need to check with the nursery. The cost of a session at a private nursery will not be fully met by the government grant. If he was at a school nursery (Heber, Goodrich, Goose Green etc) it would be free, but Oaktree is a business and they will charge appropriately. Their rent, insurance etc will mean taht the grant won't cover their costs. Oaktree is a nice nursery - the Early Years Curriculum is very play based but he will probably be doing phonics there, certainly my 3 year old did some early phonics work when she was there. He will be one of the oldest children there though, so if you want him to do more you may have to ask and discuss how he can be encouraged to do more.

[hazelnunhead]

The grant covers school terms, so it is not for the entire year> That might add to the discrepancy in costs (so christmas holidays, easter and summer break is not covered)

[Mellors]

From age 3, children get 15 hours a week free, term time only (so 39 weeks a year, not 52). Mine is a private nursery, and doesn't pro rate it or charge extra, but I know that some (naughtily) do.

[lfc808]

Don't you have to pay anything extra?i know the grant only covers school terms, thats why i did mention i pay 68 pounds a month when it's funded( school terms) and full amount(nearly 300) when not funded. and my son is only there 3 afternoons a week,9 hours in total. Mellors, since your child is going to a private nursery too, why is it different ? can i ask which nursery is it? thanks

[savage]

Hi

Both my children have been to Oaktree and i have been very happy with the care they have been given. My first was there from the age of two until he started reception and although they did attempt phonics, writing and numbers i do feel that more could have been done. That said, my preference was for him to be in a loving, caring environment over an academic one so i chose to keep him there.

My advice regarding the monthly payment is to ask them how they work it out.

Kate

[EmilyE]

The government grant covers 5 x 2 1/2 hour sessions, so you are eligible for 3 of those. You can't just take the hours and then divide them up as you like.(at least, definitely not at Oak Tree, and I don't think in other places either)

Oak Tree, I think charges ?8/hour for non-grant holders and grant holders out of term time. I think it charges a bit more than the 1/2 hour top up even for the grant covered sessions, though I'm not sure about that. I get the impression they they really need to, to cover costs; I don't think they're making a mint.

But if you're not happy/don't understand/need help, I'd talk to them.

I also have had two children there, and I agree with Kate. I'm sure there are more 'academic' environments, but I don't think that is what my son needs at the moment.

And given that your child will presumably start school in September, I wouldn't worry too much...

[Mellors]

Actually thats not true - you should be able to get all your time for free as long as you attend over three days. Here are the Government rules:

The Free EY Entitlement can be taken flexibly within the following limits:

* The full 15 hours have to be taken over at least three days per week and a maximum of five days per week

* A minimum of 2.5 hours can be taken in one day

* A maximum of 10 hours can be taken in one day, but no more than 12.5 hours over two days.

You can take the Free EY Entitlement at up to two providers. The basic offer is three hours over five days a week, or five hours over three days a week, but many providers will allow you to take the provision flexibly, in a pattern that meets your needs. So, for example, your child could have nine hours at a nursery or reception class and six hours with a playgroup, day nursery, childminder or independent school.

I don't know why you are being charged. I'm at Puddleducks in Nunhead, and they don't charge extra unless you go over your hours, or attend outside termtime.

[EmilyE]

oops. sorry.

And yes, they shouldn't be charging extra. I may raise it...though I fear that if they didn't they would have to close.

[Mellors]

I think quite a few nurserys do it, despite it being against the law, or otherwise they would have to pull out of the scheme altogether to make running the place viable.

[toast]

I think there is a gov consultation on this taking place now as there is so much inconsistency in this area. I mailed my nursery for clarity on this and have not heard back. It's a tricky thing to have to ask about.