FUNDING FAQS:
What are Government-funded childcare hours?
Government-funded childcare provides eligible children with 15 or 30 hours of early education per week, during term time (or stretched across the year), delivered in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
Are funded hours really free?
Yes. Government-funded hours are free at the point of delivery. This means there is no charge for the core childcare or EYFS education delivered during funded hours.
What does the funding cover?
Funding covers:
- Delivery of the EYFS curriculum
- Qualified staff and supervision
- Use of the nursery environment and equipment
- Observations, assessments, and progress tracking
- Basic learning resources required to meet EYFS
Why do some fees still appear on my invoice?
Our nurseries offer optional additional services and enrichment that sit outside the Government-funded EYFS provision. These are shown separately on your invoice and are not a condition of accessing funded hours.
What optional charges might apply?
Optional charges are included in the four categories below:
- Hygiene Consumables
- Meals and Snacks
- Other Educational Supplies
- Extracurricular Activity and Trips
Do I have to pay these optional charges?
No. Participation in optional extras is entirely voluntary. Your child’s access to funded hours will not be restricted if you choose not to take part, however, the exact booking pattern we can offer where a contribution is not paid, may be subject to availability. We will always allow you to use your full entitlement and offer Fully Funded, or Funded Entitlement Only (FEO) places which are subject to availability and offered in a set booking pattern.
Can my child still attend if I opt out of extras?
Yes. Your child will continue to receive high-quality EYFS education during funded hours regardless of whether optional extras are taken up.
Can the nursery charge a “top-up” fee for funded hours?
No. Nurseries are not permitted to charge top-up fees to cover the cost of delivering funded hours.
How are funded hours offered during the year?
Funded hours are usually offered over 38 weeks (term-time), or stretched across the year, depending on the nursery’s model. This may mean that for settings which are open all year round, the actual amount of funding accessible each week is slightly below the 15 or 30 hours you receive. It will however, always ‘add up’ to the full amount over the academic year.
What happens if my eligibility changes?
If your eligibility changes, there may be a grace period during which funding continues. The nursery will discuss any changes to fees with you in advance.
Why do I need to sign a funding declaration?
Funding declarations are required by the local authority to confirm eligibility and record how funded hours are taken. It also ensures that parents understand funded hours are free and that the funding is claimed correctly and transparently.
Can funded hours be used on any days or sessions?
Funded hours are offered in line with the available sessions within the nursery and opening patterns. While we aim to be flexible, funded hours cannot always be used on any day or in any session and are subject to availability.
Can I split funded hours between different providers?
Yes. Parents may choose to split funded hours between providers. You will need to inform both nurseries or early years providers so that funding is claimed accurately and in line with local authority requirements.
Do funded hours cover meals?
No. Government funding does not include meals, snacks, or drinks. At our nurseries, these are offered as optional additional services and are charged separately.
What happens if my child attends for more than their funded hours?
Any hours attended over and above your funded entitlement will be charged at the standard hourly rate, as outlined on our fee sheet.
Can funded hours be taken during school holidays?
This depends on whether your funded hours are taken term-time only or stretched across the year. We will explain your chosen option when funding is confirmed.
Can fees change during the year?
Fees are reviewed annually. Any changes to fees or optional charges will always be communicated in advance, in line with your parent agreement and terms and conditions.
What if I am late collecting my child?
Late collection fees may apply in line with Little Dukes’ Late Collection Policy. These fees are separate from Government funding and apply outside funded hours.
What happens if my child is absent?
Funded hours are allocated based on booked sessions, not attendance. If your child is absent, funded hours cannot usually be transferred to another day.
Can the nursery withdraw a funded place?
Funded places are offered subject to availability and contract terms. We will never withdraw a funded place due to a parent declining optional charges.
How does Little Dukes ensure compliance with funding rules?
We work closely with the local authority and complete all required audits to ensure that funded hours are delivered free at the point of use, charges are optional and transparent, and that parents receive clear written information.
Who can I speak to if I have questions or concerns?
You can speak to the nursery management team, admissions, or finance team at any time. If needed, parents can also contact their local authority early years team for independent advice.
We are committed to delivering Government-funded childcare in a transparent, fair, and fully compliant way. Funded hours are always available free of charge, and any additional services or enrichment are optional and clearly explained.
