New Cross and Deptford Families First Charging Policy

At New Cross & Deptford Families First, we want all our children to have equal opportunity to benefit from nursery and family learning activities both on and off-site.  This policy sets out our charging policy to ensure transparency and ensure all children have the opportunity to access all the provision on offer.

Childcare

NCDFF will charge families for childcare which is additional to the funded hours of nursery education.  The amount is reviewed annually by the NCDFF Board of Trustees and is currently set at £10.00 per hour for all children 9months to 4 years.   On joining our nursery parent/carers will agree with our Terms and Conditions regarding payments.

Childcare charges for late collection of children

We understand that on the odd occasion parents/carers will be late to pick up their child and we ask that if this is the case they telephone the office to let us know.  If parents do not inform us and/or where we consider the late collection of children has become a persistent issue, then the following charges will apply: £6 for the first 15 minutes and £2 for each 5 minute period thereafter.  This is part of our Terms and Conditions agreed with parents/carers at admission procedures prior to starting nursery.

Lunches for Play 2 Learn Nursery children

There are no charges for lunches.  Parents/Carers are asked to provide a healthy packed lunch and water bottle for their child.  We have a Food policy that is shared with parents/carers at registration so that parents/carers and staff can work together to provide the healthiest options for children.  Staff are available to talk this through with parents/carer on admission and throughout their child’s time in nursery.

Voluntary contributions for snack and cooking activities

We ask parents to make a voluntary contribution towards a healthy snack for children each day.  This money is also used towards special events such as seasonal and cooking activities.  The current contribution is £10.50 per term for children attending for 15 hours and £21.00 per term for children attending for 30 hours.  We allow parents to spread the payment over the half term if they need to. If parents choose not to contribute to the snack they can bring a piece of fruit in each day for their child.

Voluntary contribution towards activities and trips

We may in certain circumstances invite parents to make a voluntary contribution towards activities or trips.  The amount of the contribution is based on the projected cost for the activity.  No profit is gained by NCDFF.

Children will not be treated differently according to whether their parents have made any contribution or not, in response to the request.  However, where there are not enough voluntary contributions to make the activity possible, then it may have to be cancelled.

Uniform

We have uniforms available for parents/carers to buy should they so wish.  The prices are displayed in the reception area.  No Profit is made on the sale of uniforms and purchasing is optional.

Families experiencing financial difficulties

Where families are experiencing financial difficulties, we will explore how we can help or support them.  We work in partnership with parents and if there is any further support we can offer we will meet with them to discuss accessing support from an external agency.