Fees

FEES, CHARGING & FUNDING POLICY

Private Fees / Hourly Rate

From September 2025, our standard hourly rates are:

2-year-olds: £9.00 per hour 3- and 4-year-olds: £8.00 per hour

This fee includes both care and education.

If a funded child attends beyond their funded entitlement (15 or 30 hours), our standard hourly rates will apply for the additional hours.

Sibling Discount

We do not offer sibling discounts.

Ad Hoc Sessions

Ad hoc sessions may be booked at the standard hourly rate, subject to availability. Funded hours cannot be used for ad hoc sessions.

Session Changes

Session changes can be requested and are subject to availability.

• Changes will take effect from the next half term.

• To reduce sessions, a minimum of four weeks’ written notice is required. Fees will still apply if this notice is not given.

Registration Fee

A £40.00 registration fee applies to all new starters.

• This fee is refundable only for children accessing funded hours only (15 or 30 hours).

• Parents may choose to donate this fee voluntarily to support admissions, home visits, and induction sessions.

• The fee is non-refundable if any paid sessions are taken or if a place is declined after acceptance.

Absences & Holidays

• If a child is absent for more than two weeks in a term and the Local Authority withholds funding, charges may apply.

• Private fees are still charged for missed sessions due to illness or holidays.

Bank Holidays & Inset Days

• Charges apply for public holidays (e.g. May Day) unless the family opts out at least four weeks before invoicing.

• Inset Days (staff training days) are not charged.

Unexpected Closures

If the Pre-school must close due to events beyond its control (e.g. severe weather, illness), up to five closure days per year will still be charged.

Fee Increases

Fees and charges are reviewed annually, usually with effect from April. Families will receive 28 days’ notice of any changes. Additional reviews may take place if necessary, during the year, at the Committee’s discretion. 

Invoices & Payment

• Invoices are issued before each half term and must be paid before the start of term.

• Families will be given at least three weeks' notice of the payment due date.

• Accepted payment methods: BACS, Childcare Vouchers, Tax-Free Childcare.

• Cash and cheques are not accepted.

• Families experiencing financial difficulties are encouraged to speak to the Pre-school Manager as soon as possible.

Late Payments

• A £10 late fee is applied for overdue payments.

• After 7 days, an additional £2 per day will be added.

• After 14 days, the child's place may be suspended until payment is made.

Late Collection

• A 5-minute grace period is allowed.

• After that, a fee of £5 per 15 minutes will be charged.

• One late pickup per term is exempt from charges.

Notice Period

To end a child’s place or reduce their sessions, a minimum of four weeks’ written notice is required.  Failure to give notice will result in four weeks’ fees being charged. This notice period is part of the signed contract and is legally enforceable.

Optional Activities

Optional extras, such as trips and parties, may incur additional charges.
If an activity falls on a day a child does not usually attend, parents may be asked to either swap a session or book/pay for an extra session.

Snacks & Lunch

• Snacks and drinks are provided at a charge of 35p per session.

• Families accessing funded hours only can speak to the Pre-school Manager to opt out and arrange an alternative.

• Lunch Club is part of the learning experience and can be included in funded hours.

• Parents must provide a packed lunch (including a drink).

Uniforms

• Uniforms (t-shirts and sweatshirts) are available to purchase but are optional.

• Second-hand uniforms may be available for a small voluntary donation.

Donations

As a registered charity, the Pre-school welcomes voluntary donations, which help enhance resources and experiences. Donations can be made by bank transfer or added to your invoice and may be cancelled at any time.

FUNDING

We are a term-time only setting and claim funding for 38 weeks per year.  We are open 189 days during the 2025–2026 academic year.

Targeted Two-Year-Old Funding

We accept targeted 2-year-old funding for eligible families (with a valid eligibility code).
Eligible children may access up to 15 funded hours per week, from the term after their second birthday.

Early Years Universal Funding

We accept 15 hours per week of Early Years Entitlement Funding from the term after a child turns three, for 38 weeks per year.

Working Families Entitlement (30 Hours Funding)

We accept up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week (15 universal + 15 extended hours) for eligible working families, beginning from the term after a child turns two. (Please note: we do not accept children under 2 years old.)

Families must provide:

• A valid HMRC code for targeted 2 year old funding and working families funding. (The working families funding code is to be renewed every three months). 

• The child’s birth certificate

• A completed and signed Parent Declaration Form

If funding is withdrawn or delayed, parents/carers are responsible for any fees incurred.

Funded Session Options (Monday – Friday)

Morning session (08:30 – 11:30) = 3 funded hours  (Please note: If a child arrives later than 08:30 (e.g. at 09:00), funding will still be claimed from 08:30).

Lunch Club (11:30 – 12:30) = 1 funded hour

Afternoon session (12:30 – 15:30) = 3 funded hours

Full day (08:30 – 15:30) = 7 funded hours

Last Reviewed June 2025