finance

Childcare Fees & Available Support

Our fees reflect the expertise of our highly trained staff and the quality of our facilities. We understand that childcare is a significant expense, so it’s essential to be aware of available support options. Parents may be eligible for assistance through working tax credits, employer support, and the Nursery Education Funding scheme, which offers 15 or 30 hours of funded childcare per week for 3- and 4-year-olds. For more details, visit Childcare Choices.

Employer Assistance

Many employers now provide childcare support through voucher schemes. These vouchers are deducted from your salary before tax and National Insurance, helping you save money. Be sure to check with your employer to see if this benefit is available to you. We accept most childcare vouchers, which are paid directly to CLNS and applied to your monthly fee invoice.

Nursery Education Funding

Nursery Education Funding is a government grant available for 2, 3, and 4-year-olds, providing either 15 or 30 hours of funded childcare per week for 38 weeks a year. This initiative aims to enhance early years education and can only be utilized in Ofsted-registered settings. The funding is paid directly to the nursery or childcare provider.

Child Tax Credits / Working Tax Credits

Child Tax Credits and Working Tax Credits are designed to assist low-income families with childcare costs, with the amount you receive depending on your individual circumstances and income. Working Tax Credits can cover up to 80% of your childcare expenses when using a formal childcare provider registered with Ofsted. To learn more and check your eligibility for assistance, visit Tax Credits or call the helpline at 0845 300 3900.

Tax-Free Childcare

Tax-Free Childcare provides support for working families with children under 12. For every £8 you contribute, the government adds an extra £2, up to a maximum of £2,000 per child per year. For more information, visit the Childcare Choices website.

New Deal for Lone Parents

This initiative offers support for lone parents seeking to study or find work by helping cover some childcare costs during training or job searching. To learn more, contact the Lone Parent Adviser at your job centre or visit New Deal.

Help for Low-Income Families

Childcare support may be available for families with a household income under £20,000, where one parent is working and the other is pursuing training or education aimed at employment.

Consumables & Service Charges for Early Years Provision

We are committed to providing a high-quality, nurturing, and stimulating Early Years experience for every child in our care. To support this, a range of consumable items and additional services are used daily as part of your child’s learning, development, and wellbeing.

While government funding contributes towards funded early education hours, it does not cover the cost of consumables or enhanced services. For this reason, a small consumables and services charge applies.

What the Charge Covers Food Consumables

  • Healthy snacks (e.g. fruit, crackers, milk)
  • Ingredients for cooking and baking activities
  • Meals provided (where applicable)
  • Non-Food Consumables & Services
  • (Government funding does not cover these items)
  • Self-care items (e.g. tissues, wipes, nappy bags)
  • Special activities and events, including trips and outings
  • Stay and Play sessions and parent workshops/training
  • Activity packs to support learning at home
  • Lending library resources
  • Ongoing parent communication and support via the Family App, including updates and assistance outside standard hours

 

Charge Details

  • Cost: £2.50 per funded session
  • Billing: Charged monthly
  • Applies to: All children attending funded hours

 

We believe this charge enables us to continue offering enriching experiences, high-quality resources, and strong family support while maintaining a safe and engaging environment for children.

If you have any concerns about affordability or would like to discuss payment options, please speak with us in confidence. We are committed to supporting all families and ensuring our provision remains inclusive and accessible.