Aaaaagh. Today, I verbally promised a parent that a baby sibling could have a space after Easter when her older child leaves (so a straight forward swap). Tonight, she mentioned that she has given up work (dad is still working). So I'm assuming that the sibling wont be able to get the 15 hours funding if only one parent is in work? Is that how it works? I'm gutted, as it was the 9 month funding too, which as we know is considerably higher than most of our hourly rates. I've got prospective parents who would be entitled to funded places but I always give current parents first refusal. It's a lot of money to forfeit in the name of loyalty. :(

Oh how frustrating for you, has the mum confirmed with you that they actually still want the space now they have given up work? I think you are right that both parents have to be working a certain amount of hours to be entitled to the funding. I have 2 at the moment on the highest rate which is nice but then its drop when they turn two.

I don't think she realised that she wouldn't be entitled to the funding if she gave up work. We informed her last night and she hasn't responded yet. I suspect her and her husband have a lot to talk about now! She only wanted the one day so that she can have some time to herself, but that might be considered too much of a luxury now. I am half hoping she won't want the space anymore because I do have potentially interested families. I was looking forward to the extra cash as I have had a vacancy that I have been unable to fill, so the extra funding was softening that blow.