Early Years funded childcare and fees
Acorn to Oak Nursery and Preschool offers Government Early Years Funded Entitlement hours in a clear, transparent and flexible way, in line with Department for Education and Achieving for Children requirements.
This page explains:
• when funded hours can be used
• how funded hours are structured through our sessions
• how a fully funded place can be accessed
• what optional costs may apply
• a worked example showing how funding, Explorer Package costs and private fees work together
What we offer
Days and Times Funded Hours Are Available
Funded entitlement hours are available on all days and at all times that the nursery is open, subject to availability. Opening hours Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 6.00pm
To access funded hours, families must first select one of our four core session types. This enables us to plan staffing safely and maintain required ratios.
Core sessions
· Morning session: 7.30am to 1.00pm
· Afternoon session: 1.00pm to 6.00pm
· Reduced day session: 9.00am to 3.30pm
· Full day session: 7.30am to 6.00pm
Once a core session has been selected, families may extend the session earlier and or later in 30 minute increments to create a tailor made attendance pattern on the days of their choice, subject to availability.
Extensions are not available where a session already starts at 7.30am or finishes at 6.00pm, as these are our opening and closing times.
Funded hours can be used across any booked hours within the child’s attendance pattern, up to a maximum of 10 funded hours per child per day. Any time booked above funded hours is charged at the nursery’s published private rates.
Children may be eligible for:
· 15 hours universal funding for all 3 and 4 year olds
· Up to 30 hours funding for eligible working parents from 9 months to 4 years
· 15 hours funding for eligible 2 year olds
Funding can be taken:
· term time only over 38 weeks, or
· stretched across the year over our 51 weeks of opening
We calculate and confirm funded hours in writing for each family.
Types of funded entitlement available
Staying flexible to support busy families
How to access a fully funded place
Families can access funded hours completely free of charge through our Standard Funded Access option.
Under this option:
· funded hours are delivered at zero cost
· parents supply food, nappies, wipes and daily consumables
· children receive the same EYFS curriculum, care, supervision and safeguarding as all other children
There is no requirement to purchase any meals, packages or extras to access funded childcare.
Options to suit you
What our Explorer Package includes
Families may choose to purchase our Explorer Package, which is entirely optional and not required to access funded hours.
The Explorer Package includes:
· all meals and snacks
· Forest School sessions
· enrichment clubs and activities
· enhanced experiences and celebrations
· premium consumables
The Explorer Package is offered as a single all inclusive package.
Explorer Package Costs
The Explorer Package is optional and applies only where families choose to purchase it. A fully funded place remains available through our Standard Funded Access option at no cost. Explorer Package prices are set as weekly bands, based on the child’s age and the number of funded hours applied within the child’s booked attendance pattern. This pricing structure reflects the level of additional services provided and does not change the cost of funded childcare hours, which remain free at the point of delivery.
Weekly Explorer Package prices
Funded hrs per week | Under 2 years | 2 year olds | 3 years and over |
|---|---|---|---|
29 to 30 hours | £30 | £60 | £75 |
27 to 28 hours | £28 | £56 | £70 |
25 to 26 hours | £26 | £52 | £65 |
23 to 24 hours | £24 | £48 | £60 |
21 to 22 hours | £22 | £44 | £55 |
19 to 20 hours | £20 | £40 | £50 |
17 to 18 hours | £18 | £36 | £45 |
14 to 16 hours | £15 | £30 | £37.50 |
11 to 13 hours | £12 | £24 | £30 |
Up to 10 hours | £10 | £20 | £25 |
Compliance statement and private fees
Funded childcare hours at Acorn to Oak Nursery and Preschool are free at the point of delivery. The Explorer Package is an optional additional service and is not a condition of accessing funded hours. Families who do not wish to purchase the Explorer Package can access their funded entitlement through our Standard Funded Access option without charge. Explorer Package charges relate solely to additional services and do not represent a charge for funded childcare hours.
Private Fees
Private fees apply only to:
• hours booked above funded entitlement, or
• children who are not eligible for funding Private fees are published separately on our website and are clearly shown on invoices.
Important information
· Funded hours are free at the point of delivery
· The Explorer Package is optional and not required to access funding
· Private charges apply only to hours above funded entitlement
· Private fees are pro rated to the booked session
· Charges are invoiced monthly
· No fees or Explorer Package charges apply on bank holidays or nursery closure days
Parent Responsibilities
Parents are responsible for:
· applying for funding
· reconfirming eligibility codes with HMRC every three months
· informing the nursery of any changes to eligibility
· declaring funded hours used at other settings
If a funding code expires or becomes invalid, booked hours will be charged at the applicable private rate.
Our Commitment
At Acorn to Oak Nursery and Preschool: • funded hours are genuinely free at the point of delivery • families always have a no cost funded option • any additional services are optional and clearly explained • information is transparent, fair and compliant If you have any questions, please speak to a member of our management team.