Grant?

[josiejump]

Hello
I was wondering if anybody could tell me how to apply for the childminders start-up grant. I have applied for most things now but not sure how to do this! And I really need it! I had my OFSTED inspection yesterday so I'm not sure if I need to be fully registered before I can apply? Or do I just keep all my receipts and claim back? Thanks!
Josie

[Pauline]

Hi Josie

You should have been given a form at your pre-registration briefing. This will also allow you to apply for NCMA membership and insurance paid for from the grant.

If they didn't give you the form then I would phone your local CIS or who ever you contacted to get onto the briefing session.

You don't have to be registered before you can apply but obviously if you got the grant and then changed your mind or were refused registration then you would have to pay it back.

keep all your receipts until you find or get the form and send them off with it. Get receipts for EVERYTHING - I know of one minder who put down toys she had bought at a car boot and they asked her to go back and get receipts!!! Of course this was impossible but they said she had to try! So if you buy secondhand just take along a receipt book and ask the seller to sign for the amount you have paid.

Hope that helps.