FAQs

Who can apply to join the Nursery Milk Scheme?

A registered childminder
A registered day care provider
A local authority which provides day care
Those providing day care to children under 5 in schools or play centres that are exempt from registration
Those providing day care in a nursery or crèche for the children (under 5 years old) of management and staff of certain establishments (eg children’s homes, voluntary or community homes, NHS hospitals which are exempt from registration

What are the types of milk that I can a make a claim for?

For liquid milk this means heat-treated (eg pasteurised) liquid cow’s milk, including whole and semi-skimmed milk. It does not include milk with flavours, colours, added vitamins or any other additions. Also, it does not include fully skimmed milk, goat’s milk, soya milk or unpasteurised milk.

Infant formula for babies under 12 months means one of the following brands:

Cow & Gate Premium
Cow & Gate Plus
Farley’s First
Farley’s Second
Hipp Organic
Milupa Aptamil First
Milupa Aptamil Extra
SMA Gold
SMA White

It does not include follow-on milk, ready-to-feed milk or any other brand.

How do I join the Nursery Milk Scheme?

You must receive confirmation of approval to join the Scheme from the Nursery Milk Reimbursement Unit (NMRU) by completing an application form. You can obtain a form by telephoning or emailing the NMRU (see below for details) or by downloading a form here

How do I know if I am eligible to join the Scheme?

In order to join the Scheme you must be one of the following:

A registered childminder
A registered day car provider
A local authority which provides day care
Those providing day care to children under 5 in schools or establishments that are exempt from registration
Those providing day care in a nursery or crèche for the children (under 5 years old) of management and staff of certain establishments (eg children’s homes, voluntary or community homes, NHS hospitals which are exempt from registration.

How do I make a claim?

Once your application has been approved by the NMRU you will receive a confirmation letter with a unique account number and a claim form to cover the first period that you can claim for. You will then have the choice of making your claims online or by post.

How will I receive my payments?

All new applications to join the Scheme will receive payment by BACS (Banker’s Automated Clearing Service). This means that payments will go directly into your bank account, as detailed on your application form. A Remittance Advice, with a claim form for the next period, will be sent to you once a claim has been processed, if you claim by post, or by email if you claim online.

What do I do if something has changed since I filled in my application form?

You must notify the NMRU in writing immediately if there is a change in your circumstances. If this relates to a change to your setting address or the number of children per session then you must send a photocopy of your latest certificate of registration from OFSTED, CSSIW or the Care Commission in Scotland.

If my local authority makes a claim on my behalf do I still need to register?

Yes you do. The local authority can only act as your agent and is required to provide individual details for all settings that it is claiming for. The NMRU validates these details and will only pay for those who are an eligible supplier. However, it is still your responsibility to inform us in writing if there is any change to any information held on file for you.

Can I claim for organic milk?

Yes you can.

How do I claim for the EU School Milk Subsidy?

From 1^st August 2008 you do not need to make a separate claim for the EU subsidy for the under 5's if you are making claims through the Nursery Milk Scheme.

You should continue to claim EU subsidy for pupils over 5 in nursery education to the RPA, as no claims for these pupils can be made under the Nursery Milk Scheme. For the purposes of the school milk subsidy claim form these pupils are considered to be part of your "primary" claim, as are pupils receiving primary education in special or secondary schools.

For details about how to claim, or for further clarifacation please, contact the Rural Payments Agency:

The Rural Payments Agency
EU School Milk Subsidy Section
PO Box 277
Exeter
EX5 1WB

Tel: 01392 266466
Email DairySubsidySchemes@rpa.gsi.gov.uk

If I am eligible for the EU milk subsidy must I claim this?

If you were eligible to claim for the EU subsidy prior to 31^st July 2008 you must still make claims to the RPA and deduct this amount from your Nursery Milk claim periods up to that date.