Funding and Fees

Our session times are Monday to Friday:

9am to 12pm or

12pm to 3pm or

9am to 3pm or

Wrap around care from 7.30am to 9am and 3pm to 6pm is also available. 

We are registered to accept Extended, Universal and 2 year old Local Authority (LA) Additionally Supported Funding for registered and eligible 2, 3 and 4 year olds.

Local Authority Parent /Carer Funding Declaration Forms must be completed each term by parents, these will then be submitted by us on your behalf. Parents / carers must review and sign their child’s form at the beginning of each term.  Failure to do so will result in a delay in funding and you will be responsible for ensuring that the session fees are paid until the funding comes through. Parents / Carers a responsible for ensuring their funding code a valid for the start of each term the start dates being 1 September, 1 January and 1 April.

2 year old funding:

We accept children who are eligible for 2 year funded provision. From April 2024, there are 2 routes which you may be eligible. You are able to check with Central Bedfordshire Council Family Information Service to see the eligibility criteria and make an application at:

https://cbc.cloud.servelec-synergy.com/synergyfis/Enquiries/Citizen/EarlyYears.aspx

Alternatively you may be eligible for Working Parents Funding via an application:

https://www.beststartinlife.gov.uk/childcare-early-years-education

If you are eligible you must provide us with your eligibility code as soon as possible.

3 and 4 year old funding:

Your child will be eligible for universal 15 hours funding the term after their third birthday. A funded place entitles your child for up to 15 universal hours each week during term time, subject to parents to completing the necessary Parent / Carer Funding Declaration form each term.

30 hour funding 2, 3 and 4 year olds:

We also accept 30 hours funding if we have spaces available. This can be referred to as extended entitlement. You maybe eligible to qualify for the 30 hours government funding which can applied for via https://www.beststartinlife.gov.uk/childcare-early-years-education.

Funding codes

If you are eligible for the extended offer you must provide us with your eligibility code together with your National Insurance Number and date of birth prior to the start of the term for which the extended offer applies.  A Local Authority Parent /Carer Funding Declaration Forms must be completed each term.

You will be responsible for renewing the code when the HMRC send you reminders. Codes  If the code expires, then you will be liable for all sessions over any universal entitlement if applicable. Codes must be valid for the start of each term the start dates being 1 September, 1 January and 1 April and not within a grace period. Where codes are not renewed and eligible on the term start dates, funding can not be claimed and an invoice will be issued for payment the terms sessions. 

Sustainability Contribution Fee 

We charge a voluntary contribution fee per funded pre-school session which is invoiced each month.  This money is spent on consumables such as snack for each session, activities provided by external groups, trips out, cooking ingredients, planting and gardening resources, wipes, nappy cream, nappy sack and nappy disposal, sun cream, an online learning journal, yoga and added resources activities we use to support your children in setting.  

Funded Morning Session (9am to 12pm) - £3 per session

Funded Afternoon Session (12pm to 3pm) - £3 per session

Funded All Day - £6 per day.

This is itemised on your invoice as Funded sessions sustainability/3hr session - Enhanced provision trips, activities provided by external groups, cooking ingredients, yoga, planting and gardening £1 , nappy cream, nappy sacks, nappy disposal, wipes, sun cream £1, provision of catering & preparation £1, 

Children who are entitled to Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP), and an eligibility code for 2 year old funding under additional support with proof of eligibility from the relevant Local Authority will receive a discount to the fees.

Parents who opt out of paying the Sustainability Contribution fees, are responsible for providing their child with a fresh fruit or vegetable for each session, for a day session (9am to 3pm), this means 2 snacks. They will also be responsible for providing all items such as wipes, sun cream and resources for the enhanced activities planned. Without payment we unable to provide access to the online learning journal.

Why do settings need to charge a contribution fee?

https://www.eyalliance.org.uk/problem-free-childcare-interactive-explainer-parents-and-carers

Home Visit and starting fee (Acorn Pre-School):

There is a fee of £30.00 which is charged for the home visit by keyworkers prior to starting for you and your child to meet staff in a familiar environment, staff can get to know your child and it gives you an opportunity to ask any questions you may have. It also covers paper copies of key information, preparation & completion of funding forms during the time your child is with us inc. funding code reminders. This is charged at the point of being offered a space and provisionally agreeing sessions. An invoice and registration forms will be sent, on completion of registration forms and payment of the invoice, your child’s booking and sessions will be confirmed. This is a non refundable fee.

Fee Payments

Fees are payable each month. Invoices are issued on the 1st of each month and payable within the first 10 days of each month. Fees continue to be payable if a child is absent, but in cases of prolonged absence, parents should consult with the office.  One half term’s notice (6 term weeks) is required before a child stops attending Pre-School.  

If a child should be withdrawn from attending Pre-School at short notice, the parent/carer will be required to pay for those sessions booked for that child until the end of that half term.  For funded children, this will result in being charged the unfunded rate for the notice period, funding can not be claimed for a notice period where the child is not in attendance. 

Tax Free Childcare

The Government-backed Tax-Free Childcare scheme essentially gives eligible families 20% off childcare costs. You open an online Tax-Free Childcare account and the Government adds 20p for every 80p you pay in. For more information refer to: https://www.beststartinlife.gov.uk/childcare-early-years-education.

Childcare Vouchers:

Childcare voucher schemes closed to new applicants in October 2018, if you are already a member we are registered to accept payments from all the major providers.

You can also pay bank transfer or by prior agreement cash. 

Fees for non funded sessions from April 2026