'free early learning' vs. 'no recourse to public funds'

hello all,
we're moving to w. berkshire june 1 with our Sept '08 daughter.  I have heard of the 'free early learning' http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Preschooldevelopmentandlearning/NurseriesPlaygroupsReceptionClasses/DG_10016103 through a few folks, and the very kind current renters of our future home have recommended a preschool in the area.  According to the website, we would start our daughter in preschool Jan of 2012.  She currently attends a daycare here (I'm working) which has been great for her socialization, and making friends.
However, we're coming over on visas which indicate 'no recourse to public funds.' Does this simply mean that we will arrange for preschool ourselves, and pay the preschool directly? Or will she technically still be allowed for the 15 hours of care?  We'll be paying local taxes, since we're renting a house, but just wasn't sure what all of the technicalities may be.
And, of course, I'm probably jumping the gun   We've time to talk with them, but of course the current renters mentioned something about 'getting our names on the list' which has me somewhat freaked out. 
And so the schooling adventure begins!

Bump-- any answers to this- we will be moving to `manchester next month and was curious about this as well

Thanks

not sure but the fact that the funding is paid directly to the provider not the parents might help

We're in the same boat, Tier 2 visas with "no recourse" stamped nicely inside. DS (who is 3.5) supposedly will qualify (I called a few places to verify) for the Early Years funding because of what had been previously stated. The funds go directly to the schools/care providers and not the parents, so it's not a "public fund" in the traditional sense.

Now if only DS's name would pop up in any of the wait lists we're on.  FWIW, If you're looking at Jan 2012 for preschool, get your name on the wait lists NOW. We've been waiting for 6 months, and there's still no space for him for this Autumn term

Thanks for the heads up.  I think as soon as we have a confirmed address we will get working on it.  I was thinking the same thing but you can never be too sure.