Mother of young children is eligible for s117 aftercare. We are trying to argue that provision of nursery fees could be funded by s117. Note guidance says to take a “broad” approach. Getting push back that this is not related to mental illness and is part of “every day” parenting.
Any guidance/thoughts or signposting to relevant cases would be appreciated 
Whilst the code of practice does say to consider needs ‘broadly’, the Act itself still says that the purpose of s117 is to meet needs ‘arising from or related to’ the person’s mental disorder. It would be helpful to know why you feel childcare is a need that fits this criteria.
I personally would firstly consider universal childcare funding such as 15/30 hours or funding via universal credit, whichever is appropriate. Or if the patient has difficulty parenting as a result of their mental disorder I would contact the local authority’s children’s services as they may offer support under the Children Act
Yes it is every day parenting to provide care for children
The issue rests on whether the S117 aftercare plan included nursery care. If it did originally and was subsequently repeated, then there is a strong case for nursery fees being funded. The MHACOP gives and example of nursery care being something that may fall into the plan. However while the MHACOP is not Statute - it may be persuasive.
But there may be problems if nursery care was never on the careplan. How? Obviously if nursery care becomes a need ‘somebody’s’ budget is going to be hit - and they’re not going to like it. They’ll either look like or say ‘What - are we a blank cheque?’
Reams and reams of text have been generated by the courts. But..but.. who reads these judgements. You may be inclined to think ‘NOBODY’ - because the same issues come up time and again - and money is spent fighting in court.
So - yes - nursery care fees ‘could be funded by S117’. In an individual case it will depend heavily on documentation and how the funding is justififiable.
When they ‘push back’ I push back too with twice as much force. However, I am not everybody and not everybody is me.