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Fees & funding

Most families can use government-funded hours at pre-school. Here’s what you could get, and what we charge for any extra time.

Funded hours

15 hours a week hours a week

All 3 and 4 year olds

Every child gets 15 funded hours a week from the term after their third birthday, until they start school.

No application needed — just tell us when you register.

30 hours a week hours a week

Working families

Eligible working parents can get up to 30 funded hours a week for children from 9 months old until they start school.

Apply for a code on Childcare Choices and reconfirm every 3 months.

15 hours a week hours a week

Eligible 2 year olds

Two-year-olds can get 15 funded hours if your family receives certain kinds of support, such as some Universal Credit claims.

Check eligibility and apply through Essex County Council.

Funded hours cover 38 weeks a year, in term time. Not sure what you’re entitled to?

Check on Childcare Choices

Our fees

For any hours beyond your funded entitlement. Fees are invoiced half-termly and reviewed each year by our parent committee.

2026/27 Prices from September 2026

Fees
Item Price
Hourly rate Any hours beyond your funded entitlement Ask us / hour
Morning 8:50am – 11:50am · 3 hours Ask us
Morning + lunch 8:50am – 1:20pm · 4½ hours Ask us
Lunch + afternoon 11:50am – 3pm · 3h 10m Ask us
All day 8:50am – 3pm · 6h 10m Ask us

Questions about funding

When can my child start their funded hours?
Funding starts from the term after your child’s eligible birthday: 1 September, 1 January or 1 April. We’ll help you check the date when you register.
Can I split funded hours with a childminder or nursery?
Yes. You can split your entitlement between up to two providers a day. Let us know so we can complete the funding forms correctly.
Do you charge for anything during funded hours?
Funded hours are free.
What happens if my 30-hours code lapses?
You need to reconfirm your eligibility every 3 months through your childcare account. If your code lapses, you may need to pay for those hours, so set a reminder.
Do I pay during the school holidays?
No. We are open in term time only, and fees are only charged for the sessions your child is booked into.
How do I pay fees?
We send invoices half-termly for any hours not covered by funding.

Talk funding with us

We’re happy to help you work out your hours and fill in the forms. Give us a call or book a visit.

Apply / Book a visit Call 01371 811580