Fees & Funding FAQs
Do you offer Funded Places?
We know it's not always easy to cover the costs of childcare, so we're pleased to offer a variety of funding options at our nurseries. If you're not sure whether you qualify, please go to the best start in life website for further guidance.
www.beststartinlife.gov.uk
What is Tax Free Childcare?
Tax Free Childcare is a government scheme to support eligible working parents with their childcare costs, offering up to £2,000 per child, per year. For full information from the Government and links on how to apply please visit: www.beststartinlife.gov.uk
I have received two codes, one from a letter and one from the website. Which one am I supposed to use?
If you have two codes, one from your letter beginning with 11, and one from the website beginning with 50, please send the nursery the code from the website beginning with 50, as this is your permanent digital code for your child. If you only have one code (beginning with 11) then you can use this temporary code to start using your entitlements. Please remember that if you used a temporary code beginning with 11, once your reconfirmation window opens, you will still need to reconfirm your eligibility through your Childcare Account and share the digital code (beginning with 50) that you will receive at that time with your nursery.
What happens if I miss my reconfirmation window?
If you miss your reconfirmation window, your eligibility for Tax-Free Childcare and/or childcare entitlements will lapse. However, if your child is already in a place at the nursery and receives funding, a grace period for your free childcare will apply. This means your child can continue in their place for a short time, but you need to submit another application before the start of the next term to keep getting the childcare entitlements and/or Tax-Free Childcare.
Will I be reminded to reconfirm my details?
Yes, you will receive a reminder from HMRC when your reconfirmation window opens, also a week before your reconfirmation deadline and on your reconfirmation deadline. Please remember to make sure that your details are up to date with HMRC. It is not the Nursery’s responsibility to send reminders.
When does the grace period apply ?
The grace period is for when a child is already in a 15/30-hour placement and the parent falls out of eligibility. It gives them a brief period for them to be able to get back into eligibility during which time they retain their 30-hour placement. The grace period does not apply when a parent falls out of eligibility BEFORE the child has taken up a 15/30-hour placement. In this case the child should not start their placement on the funding scheme.
What happens if I lose Eligibility?
If your child is already in a place, a grace period for your childcare entitlement will apply. This means your child can continue in their place for a short time, but you need to reconfirm your eligibility during this period as soon as you can to keep getting the childcare entitlements and/or Tax-Free Childcare.
If your child is aged 2-3 years old and you or your child receive some additional forms of support, you may be eligible for 15 hours early learning for 2-year-olds under a separate scheme and you should speak to your local authority and/or provider in the first instance.
Can I split my funding between providers?
Should you wish to split hours between New Beginnings and another provider you will need to inform New Beginnings each term by declaring that you will be using an additional provider.
This declaration will be required to be recorded on the funding form. Failure to declare will result in New Beginnings reserving the right to claim payment in full from the parent if the local authority confirms the hours have been claimed by another provider.
You will need to inform us of the number of hours you will be taking at New Beginnings and the other provider to ensure no over claiming or under claiming occurs.
How will funding be reflected on my statement?
The funded hours will be delivered free of charge to the parent. Your statement will reflect funded hours at £0.00.
Early Years Funding is intended to cover the delivery of childcare only. It does not cover the cost of meals and snacks, non-food consumables, or additional hours. To cover costs not included in the Early Years Funding parents may choose to opt-in to pay a non-mandatory enrichment activity fee for every funded hour booked. The Enrichment activity fees varies per nursery and is detailed on the nursery’s fee sheet. Meal charges are also reflected on the nurseries fee sheet.
What if I want to provide my own meals on funded hours ?
Firstly, we want to be flexible and, in line with our duties under the funding agreement, we always work with parents to consider alternatives. In line with food safety procedures, our nurseries normally provide meals prepared on site. Where parents prefer not to purchase meals during funded sessions, we will work with families to discuss suitable alternatives.
Can we pay for childcare by the hour ?
We don’t provide childcare on an hourly basis. We recommend that children attend nursery for a minimum of 2 full days a week, since we believe this pattern supports their emotional wellbeing and help them to make friends and form positive relationships with adults. Please contact your local nursery manager to discuss your requirements further.
Do you charge fees for bank holidays ?
Where a funded session falls on a bank holiday or planned closure, and the child would normally attend:
- the nursery may still claim funding in line with Local Authority guidance.
However:
- Additional Voluntary Charges will not be applied when the nursery is closed.
Parents will be informed of planned closures in advance where possible. Private fees are still due for bank holiday closures in line with the terms and conditions
Do you charge registration fees and/or deposits ?
Yes, we charge a non-refundable registration fee when you complete and return the registration forms to the nursery once a place has been offered.
The registration fee covers the administrative cost of processing your child’s application and securing a place on the nursery’s system. No registration fee is payable for a fully funded place.
Yes we charge a deposit equal to 2 weeks fees. After your child starts, the deposit is held until the end of your notice period and then applied to the final month’s fees. Deposits are not required for fully funded places.
Where can I find the parents funding guide ?
The parent funding guides are accessible on the links below please click the button for the borough your child's nursery resides in.
Havering-click here
Essex PAF form guidance-click here