Fees, plainly explained
No joining fees, no hidden extras and no pressure. Most families here pay a lot less than they expect once funded hours are applied — use the calculator below to see your own numbers.
How much free childcare are you entitled to?
Three quick questions. Nothing is sent to us and you do not need to leave your details.
This is a guide, not a quote. Your exact entitlement is confirmed when you apply for your code at childcarechoices.gov.uk. Bring your code to us and we will do the rest — most parents find the form takes about ten minutes.
What we charge
Choose full days, half days or flexible hours to suit your working week.
or £44.00 for a full day, 7am–6pm
or £38.50 for a full day, 7am–6pm
Optional extras
| Freshly cooked lunch | £3.00 a day |
| Local pick-up / drop-off | £1.20 a mile |
You are very welcome to send a packed lunch instead.
How payment works
- Invoiced monthly, in advance
- Bank transfer, Tax-Free Childcare or childcare vouchers
- Funded hours deducted before you pay a penny
- No registration or joining fee
The four ways families cut their bill
30 hours for working families
From nine months old, working parents can claim 30 funded hours a week during term time — or roughly 22 hours a week if you spread them across the whole year with us.
15 hours for two-year-olds
Families receiving certain benefits can claim 15 funded hours from their child's second birthday. We will help you check whether you qualify — many families are surprised.
15 universal hours at three
Every child in England gets 15 funded hours a week from the term after their third birthday, whatever your household earns.
Tax-Free Childcare
On anything you do pay, the government adds £2 for every £8 you put into your childcare account — up to £2,000 a year per child. It stacks on top of funded hours.
Fees, answered
What does "stretched funding" mean?
Funded hours are given as 38 weeks' worth each year — that matches school terms. Most of our families work all year, so we spread those hours evenly across the year instead. You get fewer funded hours each week, but you get them every week, including school holidays, and your bill stays the same every month.
Do I pay anything if my child only does funded hours?
If your child attends only their funded hours and you send a packed lunch, there is nothing to pay. Lunches are £3 a day if you would like us to cook, and any hours beyond your funding are charged at our normal rate.
When exactly do funded hours start?
Funding always begins the term after your child reaches the qualifying age — so terms starting in September, January and April. The calculator above gives you the exact date. Apply for your code about a month beforehand so it is ready in time.
Do you charge for bank holidays or when we go away?
We are closed on bank holidays and do not charge for them. Booked sessions are charged as normal during family holidays, which keeps your child's place open for them to come back to.
Can I change my days later on?
Yes — just talk to us. Working patterns change, and we will do our best to move things around, subject to space in the room on the days you need.
How do I apply for my funding code?
Apply at childcarechoices.gov.uk — you will need your National Insurance number and about ten minutes. Then send us the code and your child's date of birth and we will do the rest. If you get stuck, bring your phone in and we will sit down and go through it with you.
Still not sure what you would pay?
Give us a ring. Tell us your child's age and the days you need, and we will work it out with you there and then — no obligation at all.