Funded Early Education Entitlement
We offer government-funded childcare places as part of the 15-hour and 30-hour funded entitlement scheme for eligible two, three, and four-year-old children as well as part of the Free for Two funding scheme. These funded hours:
- Are available free of charge to parents
- Can be accessed without any mandatory additional charges
- Are offered as follows:
- Paddock Wood: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
- East Peckham: 9:15 AM – 3:15 PM (2:15 PM on Fridays)
Additional Charges
Parents can opt to start the day 30 minutes earlier as follows:
- Paddock Wood: 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM is chargeable
- East Peckham: 8:45 AM – 9:15 AM is chargeable
These charges are entirely optional and are not a condition of accessing a funded place. Parents can choose to delay the day by half an hour and just attend for the funded hours as per the pattern of delivery above.
- There are no minimum funded hours to be used each day
- There is a maximum of 6 funded hours each day as per our pattern of delivery.
- Funding can be split over 5 days for a maximum of 38 weeks.
Voluntary Contributions
Parents may choose to pay a voluntary contribution of:
- £1 a week for Forest School in East Peckham, but these voluntary contributions are entirely optional and are not a condition of accessing a funded place.
- 10p per planned hour of attendance for enhanced resources such as special craft materials, enhanced snack options, extra Christmas activities etc. These voluntary contributions charges are entirely optional and are not a condition of accessing a funded place.
Children are never excluded from an activity, enhanced snack, or extra activities if parents opt not to pay the voluntary contribution.
Transparency & Invoicing
To ensure transparency and compliance with statutory guidance, our invoices will clearly itemise the following:
- Free entitlement hours received (funded hours)
- Additional non funded paid hours (if applicable)
- Voluntary contribution for Forest School (if applicable)
- Voluntary contribution for sundries
Charging for Non-Funded Hours
Parents may choose to book additional non-funded childcare hours beyond their funded entitlement. These additional hours:
- Are subject to standard hourly rates – currently £7.00 an hour (Sept 2025)
- Are not a requirement for accessing a funded place
Deposits
There is no deposit necessary to secure a place.
Flexibility of Hours
Parents will receive clear information on how many funded hours they are entitled to per week– up to 30 hours a week dependent on:
- Availability of spaces in the setting
- Use of funded hours at an additional setting in the case of shared care
There are no artificial breaks in free entitlement hours that prevent parents from using their full entitlement in a way that supports their work commitments.
Government Tax-Free Childcare
Eligible families are welcome to pay any fees through their Government Tax-Free Childcare account.
Fee Structure
- Fees are clearly structured based on hours of childcare.
- Parents or guardians will receive a detailed breakdown reflecting their child’s specific attendance with the invoice reflecting hours booked and any voluntary contributions.
Payment Schedule
- Payments are due in advance, either monthly or termly, as agreed with the Executive Manager.
- Payment due dates will be clearly communicated and consistently enforced.
Payment Methods
- Accepted payment methods include electronic bank transfers, cash, payment via the Government tax-free childcare scheme, or via company childcare vouchers.
- Receipts will be issued promptly following cash payments.
Late Payment
- Timely payments are expected; late payments may incur an additional fee as outlined on the invoice.
- Persistent late payments may result in a review of hours offered to the child.
Absences and Refunds
- Fees remain payable during planned absences, including holidays and illness.
- No refunds or credits will be provided for missed sessions.
Fee Reviews and Adjustments
- Fees are reviewed annually to remain competitive and reflective of service quality.
- Changes to fees will be communicated clearly, in writing, with reasonable notice.
Fee Arrears
- Hours available to you may be suspended if significant arrears accrue until payment arrangements are resolved.
- Transparent communication will be maintained to resolve financial issues amicably.
Contract and Agreement
Signing of the registration form on enrolment confirms mutual understanding and agreement of fee policies.
More information on Government Funding available can be found on the Government Website.