FAQs

Why is entitlement so important?
The Nursery Milk Scheme entitles registered childcare settings to claim for one free drink of milk (1/3 of a pint of heat-treated cow’s milk) each day for children under five who attend for two or more hours a day. For children under one year old, this is given as infant formula. You can still claim for children who are absent without prior notice (e.g. off sick for less than a week). It is important to note that, for children who stay all day, the scheme only provides one free drink of milk, not one in the morning and another in the afternoon.
Why do I need to validate my claim?
As a setting registered with the Nursery Milk Scheme, it is your responsibility to ensure that the amount of milk claimed for is correct even if you have your milk supplied through an agent. It is important to complete the NMRU Validation to ensure that any claim made on your behalf is accurate.
How do I validate my claim?

It is important to complete the NMRU Validation to ensure that any claim made on your behalf is accurate.

Steps to validate your claim
  1. Using the calculator tool confirm the number of pints and/or formula you are eligible to claim (shown in the pink box)
  2. Click on the link http://www.nurserymilk.co.uk/validate
  3. On the screen enter your email address and the validation code unique to the month, as detailed on the email asking you to validate.
  4. Check that the number of pints and/or quantity of infant formula on the validation screen is the same as the number given by the calculator tool.

  5. Click "yes" if the number of pints/grams on the screen is the same as the number on the calculator tool and the amount delivered.

    Click “no” when there is any difference.
    Enter the numbers from the calculator tool and choose the option from the drop down menu that matches the reason for the difference and include further detail in the free-text box.
  6. Add your name and submit.
How do I use the calculator tool?

The calculator tool has been designed to work out the number of pints and/or grams your setting is eligible to claim for in the month. Each month when you are asked to validate your claim a new calculator will be attached that reflects the days in that particular month.

All you need to do is enter the number of children who attended your setting for more than 2 hours on each day. You can still claim for children who are absent without prior notice (e.g. off sick for less than a week). The calculator will then confirm the number of pints you are able to claim (shown in the pink box). Please note: Although your milk may be delivered in cartons or litres, claims are always calculated in pints.
If you have any formula milk this is completed in the lower half of the calculator and the amount in grams will again show in the pink box.

There is no need to send the calculator tool back to us.

What do I do if I cannot access the validation screen

In some internet browsers you may need to copy and paste your e-mail address but manually enter the validation code.

We are finding that some settings experience difficulties in accessing via mobile devices including ipads, iphones and BlackBerry. If you do not have a laptop or home computer to complete the validation please call the Nursery Milk helpline on 0844 901 4444 to assist you.

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.