Opening Hours and Operational Arrangements
Opening Hours
Little Learners Nursery operates Monday to Friday, between the hours of 08:00 and 18:00, subject to the closures outlined below.
Planned Closures
Session Booking Restrictions
Session Availability and Waiting Lists
Sessions
| Session Type | Duration | Time |
| Funded Session | 6 hours | 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
| Funded Session | 3 hours | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
| Funded Session | 3 hours | 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
| Wrap-around session | 1 hour | 8:00 am- 9: 00 am |
| Wrap-around session | 3 hour | 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm |
Policy Statement
While government funding covers the provision of free, high-quality, flexible childcare, it
does not extend to consumable items. Therefore, to maintain the quality of care and
resources, we implement the following options for parents and guardians:
Enhanced provision by nursery:
- Parents may opt for the nursery to supply all necessary consumable items. In this case, there will be charges to cover the costs. This fee ensures that we can consistently provide high-quality items for your child’s needs. See list of enhanced provision to choose from. A minimum notice period of 12 weeks is required to opt in or out of this service.
None-enhanced provision by parents:
- Parents may choose to provide specific consumable items for their child on a daily basis. These may include snacks, a nappy bag, sun cream, or a wetsuit.
- Parents will be required to cover the full cost of any outings, trips, special occasions, parties.
- Activities and events scheduled on days when your child is not in attendance will not have guaranteed participation.
- If a child attends an event, party or activity on a day they are not normally scheduled to attend the setting, the full daily rate will be charged in addition to the event cost.
Tapestry Online Learning Journal Policy
The nursery uses Tapestry as an online learning journal platform to record and share children’s learning, development, observations, photographs, and achievements with parents/carers.
Consent to and use of Tapestry is entirely optional. Parents/carers may choose to:
- consent to and access their child’s Tapestry account; or
- Decline participation in the Tapestry online learning journal service.
Parents/carers will be asked to confirm their preference during the registration process or through the nursery’s Parental Agreement Form.
Where parents/carers choose not to consent to Tapestry, the nursery will continue to meet its statutory responsibilities for monitoring and assessing children’s learning and development in line with the EYFS framework.
Parents/carers may request to join or withdraw from Tapestry at a later date by providing written notice to the Nursery Manager. Requests will be processed in accordance with the nursery’s data protection, safeguarding, and administrative procedures.
The nursery is committed to ensuring that all personal information, photographs, and observations shared through Tapestry are managed securely and in compliance with GDPR and confidentiality requirements.
Implementation:
- Upon enrolment, parents will be informed of this policy and asked to select their preferred option.
- For those opting for nursery provision, the consumables fee will be detailed in the fee structure and invoiced accordingly.
- For those opting to provide items themselves, nursery staff will monitor supplies and communicate with parents when replenishment is necessary.
Fees Schedule for Enhanced Provision
The following charges apply to optional enhanced provisions and consumables that fall outside the scope of the government-funded early education entitlement.
All charges are applied only where parents/guardians have opted in and provided written consent.
| Enhanced Provision / Consumable | Charges |
|---|---|
| Lunch | £4.50 per day |
| Breakfast | £2.00 per day |
| Tea | £3 per day |
| Snacks | £1 per day |
| Sun Cream (SPF 50, suitable for children) | £0.10 per day (only applicable from April to August only) |
Important information
- Enhanced charge- The charge covers services which are not covered by early years funding for example (snacks, special events, graduation gown, parties, outing, Christmas meal, gifts, sun cream, wetsuit, mothers and Father’s Day event, free childcare to attend events in the nursery on the days your child is not scheduled on the register). if you have any concerns regarding this charge, please contact us.
- Optional hot lunch – we offer an optional 2-course hot lunch. the cost is £4.50 per lunch, per meal. we can cater to all allergies and offer a vegetarian alternative as well. children can bring a packed lunch from home if preferred, but this must be nut free and healthy (no chocolates, biscuits, crisps, sweets or fizzy drinks)!
- Accessories – starter accessories £70, which cover sets of uniform, Jumpers, stay and play sessions and bag, and this is voluntary if you wish for your child to wear the little learner’s uniform and bag. Nursery uniform is not compulsory. Wearing the nursery uniform and using the nursery bag is entirely voluntary and at the discretion of parents/carers.
- Please note that once the starter accessories fee has been paid, Stay and Play sessions are booked and accessories are ordered. As a result, this fee is non-refundable under any circumstances.
- Deposit Policy – A deposit of £150 is required for children attending on a private fee-paying basis only. This deposit will be refunded when your child leaves the nursery, provided that all outstanding fees have been fully settled. No deposit is required for bookings that are fully funded. For children attending a combination of funded and privately paid sessions, the deposit will apply only to the privately paid sessions.
- Late collection – if you collect your child after closing time a surcharge of £25 per hour will apply (minimum charge £25).
- Snacks – Little Learners Nursery offers healthy snacks throughout the day. Snacks are included within the standard fees and/or enhanced provision charge. Parents/carers may choose to opt in or opt out of this provision. Where parents/carers opt out, they are responsible for providing their child with healthy, suitable, and acceptable snacks in line with our nursery’s food and nutrition policy.
- Sundries – please provide nappies, wipes and change of clothes. we will not accept your child if you fail to supply these items.
- Sun-cream – Parents must apply sun cream before their child comes into the setting (even on cloudy days). staff will re-apply a sensitive skin, high factor sun cream to all children as required through the day. This is included in your fees / enhanced charges if you have opted in for enhanced provision (Please see our fees list on page-9). If your child is allergic to sun-cream, please contact us to discuss. You have the choice to opt in or out.
Payment options
- Please kindly note that fees are payable in advance and by the 1st of the month.
- Little Learners Nursery is a registered provider for the government Tax-free Childcare Scheme. Please ask us for details.
- Payment by online banking / BACS transfer: Bank account details will be sent to you once you have returned the registration form. Please ensure that your child’s name and the month is given as a reference.
Terms and Conditions
- When you book sessions at Little Learners Nursery this is a contractual agreement between you and the nursery and fees are therefore payable in accordance with our terms and conditions from this point onwards. You will therefore need to give 12 weeks’ notice in writing if you wish to reduce your child’s hours, withdraw your child from the nursery or cancel your booking. This applies to chargeable session only. The 12-week notice period begins from the date you register your child. If insufficient notice is given, normal fees / charges will be payable for the notice period (Not applicable to fully funded children).
- Fees for hours booked are fixed and are payable whether your child attends or not.
- Invoices will be sent out by email at least one week in advance of the month for which the invoice is due. Please kindly note that all fees / charges are payable by the first of the month. Please ensure that we have an up-to-date email address for you.
- Extra sessions are subject to availability. Please contact us to check availability. Extra sessions are usually available in the school holidays.
- Hot lunches can be booked for a minimum of one term and should be requested at least a term in advance. Please note that some dietary preferences. A notice period of one term is required should you wish to cancel hot lunches for the following month. Notice must be given in writing.
- Packed lunches – please note that the nursery is a nut-free environment and packed lunches must not contain nuts. Please provide a healthy packed lunch; crisps, biscuits, chocolates, sweets and fizzy drinks are not permitted.
Late Payment and Charges
- Where a payment reminder letter is issued, the Parent/Carer shall incur a charge of £10.00, together with an additional administration fee of £10.00 per week for each week that the fees remain outstanding.
- The Nursery reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to refuse attendance for any child where fees are overdue. In such circumstances, the child will be permitted to attend funded hours only, and any non-funded sessions will be suspended until all outstanding fees and charges are paid in full.
Absences Due to Illness or Holiday
- The Nursery regrets that fees remain payable for any days a child is absent due to illness or holiday, as the child’s place is reserved exclusively for them. No refunds, credits, or fee reductions will be given in respect of such absences. Fees shall be charged as normal for all other sessions missed, including but not limited to absences due to holiday, illness, or any other reason.
- Parents/Carers are required to notify the Nursery of any planned holidays or absences from the nursery.
Christmas and New Year Closure / Absences
- The Nursery shall be closed for an approximate period of two (2) weeks over the Christmas and New Year period, during which no fees will be charged.
- Fees shall be charged as normal for all other sessions missed, including but not limited to absences due to holiday, illness, or any other reason.
Closed on bank holidays / public holidays. You will not be charged forany “paid hours” missed due to bank / public holidays unless this is an exceptional “one-off” holiday for national events etc. In this case, the nursery reserves the right to charge fees as normal. Replacement session is offered if on funded early education.
- We make every effort to stay open and offer a full service to all our children and parents. If, however, the directors and management decide that the nursery has to close for reasons beyond our control such as snow, ice, flood, power-cut, industrial action, major health & safety issues, pandemics or similar, etc, fees / charges will be payable for your contracted hours and no refunds will be due. In such cases, we will make every effort to minimise the closure period and to notify you in advance. Any change to this policy, is solely at the discretion of the nursery.
- If your child is required to miss nursery on the advice of a doctor, medical professional, similar authority either due to illness or the requirement to self-isolate or the requirement of the nursery to close part or all of the nursery, fees will be charged as normal and no refunds will be due. Any change to this policy is solely at the discretion of the nursery.
- Once you have registered with the nursery and booked a place, 12 weeks (one term) notice in writing is required should you wish to withdraw your child from the Nursery or if you wish to reduce the number of sessions. If insufficient notice is given, you will be charged for your normal sessions during the notice period. Note that this is not applicable to children who are fully funded.
- Fees, etc will be reviewed in January, April and September each year. In addition, we reserve the right to review fees, etc at any time by giving 1 months’ notice.
- We send invoices and important information by email. Please ensure that we have up to-date email address for you and that you notify us of any changes to your address or phone number.
Attendance and Induction: The minimum attendance requirement is two sessions per week to promote consistency, support your child’s emotional well-being, and aid their settling-in process.
- Prior to your child’s official start date, we offer induction and transition sessions. These sessions allow your child to familiarise themselves with the nursery environment, staff, and routines, helping to ensure a smooth and positive transition into nursery life.
- Induction sessions are usually arranged in advance and may vary depending on the child’s individual needs and comfort level.
Funded Early Education Entitlements
Early Years Funding – will my child receive any Early Years funding?
- The information below is a general guideline. For full information please see the
following websites:
Working Parent Entitlement – From 9 Months Old
Eligible working parents/carers of children from 9 months of age may be entitled to funded childcare under the Working Parent Entitlement, subject to meeting the eligibility criteria set by HM Government and confirmation via the childcare service.
Early Learning for 2-year-olds
Children aged 2 years may be eligible for funded early education:
Disadvantaged 2-year-old funding is eligible for 570 hours per year, which equates to 15 hours per week over 38 weeks of the year
3-4 Year Old – Universal Entitlement
All children aged 3 and 4 years are entitled to 570 hours per year
Eligible working parents/carers may also access the working parent entitlement (additional 15 hours per week over 38 weeks).
General Funding Conditions
- Parents/carers are responsible for applying for funding and reconfirming eligibility every term where required.
- Funded hours cover early education and childcare only; additional charges may apply for meals, consumables, or extra services, as permitted by statutory guidance.
- Funding may be withdrawn if eligibility lapses or confirmation codes are not renewed within the required timescales.
Funded Sessions
All funded sessions are offered on a term-time-only basis (38 weeks). We do not operate a stretched funding model. Any sessions attended outside of term time will be charged at the applicable private fee rate.
Additional Hours
Parents/carers may request to book additional sessions beyond their agreed funded or contracted hours. All additional sessions are charged at the Nursery’s standard published rates . From time to time, the Nursery may offer promotional or discounted rates for additional hours; any such offers will be communicated in writing and are subject to availability and specified terms.
Session Availability
Where a requested session is fully booked, the child may be placed on a waiting list. Parents/carers will be notified in writing should a suitable place become available. Placement on a waiting list does not guarantee a future space
Funding Start Dates
Parents/carers are advised that Early Years funding does not commence immediately upon a child’s birthday. Funding begins from the start of the relevant school term following:
- the child’s 9-month birthday (where applicable),
- the child’s 2nd birthday, or
- the child’s 3rd birthday,
in accordance with statutory guidance funding rules and eligibility criteria
Minimum Session and Attendance Requirement
The Nursery offers childcare in accordance with the session options outlined in this agreement. The minimum session duration is three (3) hours, and children must attend a minimum of two (2) sessions per week. The Nursery is unable to accept registrations for sessions shorter than the minimum duration or for attendance below the minimum weekly requirement
Little Learners Nursery –Funding Option is 38 weeks- Term Time Only
Parents can only take their government-funded childcare hours over 38 weeks (Term time only), as outlined below:
| Funding Type | Annual Entitlement | |
|---|---|---|
| 3-4 Year Old Universal Entitlement | 570 hours (15 hrs/week over 38 weeks) | |
| Working Parent Entitlement | 1140 hours (30 hrs/week over 38 weeks) |
| Service | Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly Rate | Term Time | £13.00 per hour |
| Holiday Rate | Non-Term Time | £10.00 per hour |
Additional Charges- Late pick up
| Service | Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Late Collection of Children (after 6:00pm) | This charge applies when a child is collected after 6:00pm. Fees are calculated per hour | £25.00 per hour |
| Late Collection (before 6:00pm closing time) | This applies when a child is collected after their booked session but before 6:00pm. A 5-minute grace period is allowed. After this time, charges will apply. | £1.00 per minute |
Late Payment Charges
- Late Payment Interest: A charge of 10% will be applied to any outstanding balance not settled within the agreed payment period.
- Administrative Fee: An administrative fee of £35 will be added to any account that remains unpaid 30 days after the due date.
- Continued non-payment may result in suspension of your child’s additional booking until the balance is cleared.
Payment Terms and Conditions
- All nursery fees are payable monthly in advance, by the 1st day of each month, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
- Fees are payable throughout the year, including periods of absence due to illness, holidays, or public holidays.
- Funded hours (if applicable) cover childcare only and do not include meals, consumables, or extended sessions.
- Parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring prompt collection of their child. Repeated late collection may result in termination of the childcare agreement.
- All meals and additional charges will be invoiced monthly and must be settled in full upon receipt.
- All prices are subject to annual review and may be amended with at least 12 weeks’ written notice to parents/guardians.
- All prices are subject to annual review and may be amended with at least 12 weeks’ written notice to parents/guardians.
- These charges apply only where parents/guardians have consented to the provision.
- Parents may choose to opt out of any of the above items at any time by providing written notice to the nursery manager.
- Where a parent opts out from enhanced provision, they must provide any equivalent required items (e.g., sun cream, healthy packed lunch and snacks etc) that meet nursery standards.
- Payment for enhanced provisions will be invoiced and payable in accordance with the nursery’s standard payment terms.
Terms and Conditions – Enhanced Provision & Additional Charges
Parents may choose to opt in or opt out of any of the enhanced provision or additional chargeable items at any time by providing written notice to the Nursery Manager.
To ensure accurate planning, staffing, and budgeting, a minimum notice period of 12 weeks is required for any changes. This applies to both opting in and opting out.
Any fees will continue to be payable during the notice period. Changes will take effect from the start of the next applicable term or billing cycle following the completion of the notice period.
Educational Trips and Nursery Closure Policy
Due to the nature of educational trips and outings, which require enhanced staffing ratios to ensure the safety, supervision, and wellbeing of all children attending, there may be occasions where it is not possible for the nursery to remain fully open during the trip.
Where the nursery is required to close, either fully or partially, to facilitate an educational trip or field visit, parents will be informed in advance wherever possible.
Children who do not participate in the educational trip and are therefore unable to attend their usual session due to the temporary closure will be offered one of the following options:
- The opportunity to attend a session upon the nursery’s return from the trip on the same day, where operationally possible; or
- An alternative session on another suitable day, this will need to be agreed with the nursery manager.
The nursery will make every reasonable effort to accommodate alternative arrangements fairly and in line with staffing capacity and operational requirements.
Educational trips are organised to enhance children’s learning experiences and support their development through real-life opportunities and community engagement.
Parent Choice and Event Subscription Policy
Parents and carers have the option to choose which celebrations, enhanced activities, or special events they would like their child to participate in throughout the year.
Participation in these events is entirely voluntary and associated enhanced consumable charges will only apply to the activities selected by parents.
To enable the nursery to effectively plan staffing, resources, consumables, and event arrangements, parents are kindly requested to inform the Nursery Manager of their interest or non-participation at least 12 weeks in advance wherever possible. This will allow the nursery to accurately record participation and organise resources accordingly.
Please note that once resources, staffing, catering, entertainment, or venue bookings have been confirmed for an event, charges may still apply even if a child does not attend.
The nursery remains committed to ensuring that all children are included in meaningful experiences while maintaining transparency regarding optional enhanced consumable costs.
Examples of our termly educational trips and price breakdown
1. Farm Visit Trip
Educational Benefits
- Learning about animals and nature
- Understanding where food comes from
- Sensory and outdoor experiences
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Coach Transport | £35 |
| Farm Entry Fee | £25 |
| Snacks/Lunch | £2.50 |
2. Zoo Educational Trip
Educational Benefits
- Learning about wildlife and habitats
- Promotes curiosity and language development
- Supports understanding of diversity in nature
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Coach Transport | £25 -£35 |
| Zoo Entry | £18 – £25 |
| Educational Workshop | £5 |
| Packed Lunch/Snacks | £2.50 |
3. Museum Trip
Educational Benefits
- Enhances historical and cultural awareness
- Encourages questioning and exploration
- Supports communication and literacy skills
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Minibus/Transport | TBC |
| Museum Entry | TBC |
| Interactive Workshop | TBC |
| Packed Lunch/Snacks | £2.50 |
4. Aquarium Trip
Educational Benefits
- Learning about sea life and conservation
- Visual and sensory learning experiences
- Encourages environmental awareness
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Coach Hire | £TBC |
| Aquarium Entry | £TBC |
| Educational Session | £TBC |
| Packed Lunch/Snacks | £2.50 |
5. Local Park and Nature Walk
Educational Benefits
- Physical development
- Outdoor learning and exploration
- Promotes social interaction and communication
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Local transport Minibus | £7 |
| Packed Lunch/Snacks | £2.50 |
6. Sensory Play Experience
Educational Benefits
- Supports cognitive and sensory development
- Encourages exploration and creativity
- Develops fine motor skills and communication
- Supports children with SEND needs
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Sensory Soft Play Centre | £15 |
| Transport | £10 |
| Snacks and Drinks | £2.50 |
7. Enhanced Consumable Charges for Celebrations and Events
Examples of Celebrations and Events
- Christmas Party
- Easter Celebration
- Halloween Activities
- Diwali Celebration
- Eid Celebration
- Mother’s Day / Father’s Day
- Graduation Ceremony
- Summer Fair / Sports Day
- Cultural Celebration Days
- Birthday Celebrations
Examples of Enhanced Consumable Charges
| Consumable Item | Example Use | Estimated Charge |
|---|---|---|
| Party Food and Snacks | Christmas party buffet, themed snacks | £10-18 |
| Baking Ingredients | Cupcake decorating, biscuit making | £2–£5 |
| Themed Decorations | Balloons, banners, table decorations | £2–£4 |
| Dress-Up / Costume Resources | Props and role-play materials | £2.50–£5 |
| Graduation Caps and Certificates | Graduation ceremony | £5–£15 |
| Photographer / Printed Photos | Event keepsake photos | £TBC |
| Face Painting / Entertainers | Face Painting / Entertainers | £4–£10 |
| Outdoor Activity Equipment | Sports day medals, games equipment | £4–£6 |
| Gifts or Party Bags | Celebration take-home bags | £5–£10 |
| Equipment Hire (if applicable) | Bouncy castle | £10–£15 |
Additional Staffing Costs (Voluntary contribution) | Enhanced supervision during large events | £2–£5 |