Nursery fees can look very different from one setting to another because opening hours, session lengths, staffing, meals and extras vary. The funded entitlement can also change the amount you pay, but it does not necessarily mean every hour of childcare is free.
Ask for the full price
Before accepting a place, ask for a written fee schedule. Check the cost of extra hours, meals, nappies, trips, late collection, deposits and registration fees where applicable.
How do funded hours affect fees?
Funded entitlements cover a defined number of hours and weeks. Settings can have different ways of delivering those hours, so ask exactly how the funding will be applied to your child’s timetable.
Compare like for like
A setting charging a higher hourly rate may include meals or longer opening hours. Another may charge less but have additional costs. Work out the likely monthly total for the exact days and hours you need.
Questions to ask
- What is the hourly or session fee?
- What does the fee include?
- Are funded hours available?
- Are there optional extras?
- How are holidays charged?
- What happens if I need extra hours?