Funding information

Government Funded Places

We get asked every single week if we accommodate Government Funded places. The simple answer is yes. However, the amount of help you are entitled to can vary greatly and is set by the Government.

To find out what funding you are eligible for take a quick look at the Childcare Choices Government website. The information is always up to date and there's a short form to complete which will clarify your options.

Visit: www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

Funding entitlement & Fees 2026

Government Funding (Ages 0–5)

At What a Hoot Day Nursery, we welcome and support the use of free government-funded childcare for eligible children aged 0–5 years.
Parents may use their funded hours flexibly, in line with our session times, with no restrictions. We offer stretched funding across the full year, allowing parents to maximise their entitlement.

Session Times

Full Day: 7:30am – 6:00pm
AM Session: 7:30am – 12:30pm
PM Session: 1:00pm – 6:00pm
Mid Session: 8:30am – 4:00pm

Times outside of these sessions may be agreed at the discretion of the Nursery Manager.

Attendance Plan Options

Children may attend on one of the following plans:
Term-Time Only
Full Year
50-Week Plan*
*Please note: These plans apply in addition to funded hours.

FEES – Full Year Provision

Children Aged Under 2 Years:
Full Day (10 hours): £64.30
Half Day (5 hours): £47.50
Mid Session (8:30am–4:00pm): £54.95

Children Aged 2 Years and Over:
Full Day (10 hours): £60.10
Half Day (5 hours): £44.35
Mid Session (8:30am–4:00pm): £52.35

FEES – 50 Week Nursery Provision

This option includes 2 uncharged weeks, to be taken during either the summer holidays or Christmas holidays, as either one or two consecutive weeks.

Children Aged Under 2 Years:
Full Day (10 hours): £61.94
Half Day (5 hours): £45.50
Mid Session (8:30am–4:00pm): £52.95

Children Aged 2 Years and Over:
Full Day (10 hours): £57.90
Half Day (5 hours): £42.75
Mid Session (8:30am–4:00pm): £50.45

Nursery Opening Times

Monday to Friday: 7:30am – 6:00pm
(Extended hours available at the Manager’s discretion)

Open 52 weeks per year

Closed on:
Bank Holidays
Christmas Day
Boxing Day
New Year’s Day
Half days: Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve

Breakfast Club
7:30am – 8:30am (£4.00)

Inset Days & Term Weeks

Government funding is paid for 38 weeks per year.
In years where there are 39 term weeks, the additional week must either:

Be paid for, or
The child does not attend nursery the last week of summer term

Parents may choose to:

Break up one week earlier for the summer, or
Pay for the additional week (spread over 11 months)

Additional Week Charges:
30 hours – Under 2s: £307.50
15 hours – 2-year-olds: £113.25
30 hours – 2-year-olds: £226.50
15 hours – 3-year-olds: £82.50
30 hours – 3-year-olds: £165.00

Prices correct as of 2025–2026 funding rates.

Additional Information

A non-refundable £50 deposit is required only if securing hours over and above funded entitlement.
No deposit is required if only funded hours are used.
Additional hours are charged at £10.00 per hour.
Fees are charged if a child does not attend for any reason, including bank holidays.
Funded days missed are non-transferable.
Minimum attendance: 2 half days (subject to Manager discretion).

Payments

Fees are collected on the 1st of each month, one month in advance.
Payments are calculated 4 weeks in advance or part there of.
Childcare vouchers are accepted (Full payment must be made by card or cheque until vouchers clear).

Late Collection Fees

£10.00 for the first 15 minutes
Thereafter, a half-session fee applies.

Meals

Lunches and teas: £3.50 per meal (not included in 15/30-hour funding).
Meals are included for children attending paid:

Full Day
Half Day
Mid Session

Discounts

5% sibling discount.

Notice Period

One month’s notice is required if withdrawing a child from nursery.

Adverse Weather & Emergency Closures

In the event of closure due to power shortages, flooding, adverse weather, heating failure, or safety issues:

Every effort will be made to remain open or offer places at another site (where available)
No refunds will be issued
Alternative days may be offered at the Manager’s discretion.

Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually and updated in line with changes to legislation or funding guidance.

Adopted on: 01/01/2026
Signed by: N. Barnes
Review date: 01/01/2027