The Nursery Milk Scheme has been running since the 1940s, funding 1/3 pint (189ml) of milk a day for under-5s attending childcare.
The registration process requires you to prove your eligibility by providing evidence of your Ofsted registration or equivalent.
To complete your registration we will ask you some questions about your setting, for example:
What type of establishment are you?
How many eligible children attend your setting?
Where do you source your milk?
Once your registration is complete you can claim for your milk reimbursement.
As an eligible childcare provider you can claim your milk reimbursement direct from the Nursery Milk Reimbursement Unit (NMRU) or you can appoint an agent. If you decide to source your milk via an agent you are still required to register with the NMRU, as well as registering with your agent.
If you decide to register and claim direct from the NMRU, you can source your milk at your convenience from your local milk delivery, shop or supermarket. You will be asked to provide your bank details when you register. Once your claims have been approved for reimbursement, funds will be sent via BACS within 3 working days.
As a beneficiary of the Nursery Milk Scheme you will be asked to ensure value for money when sourcing your milk. The Department of Health encourages childcare settings to purchase milk at the best possible price to meet their requirements under the Nursery Milk Scheme. Purchasing milk at a local retailer and then re-claiming the cost may be cheaper than using a milk agent to supply milk.
The Nursery Milk Scheme funds milk for approximately 1.5 million children under 5 years old. This is a Government funded scheme, costing the Department of Health and the Scottish and Welsh Governments approximately £70m per year. The Secretary of State for Health has a statutory obligation to provide the Nursery Milk Scheme.
The Nursery Milk Scheme is governed by The Welfare Food Regulations 1996.