Nursery Fees

Where curious minds create awe and wonder for everyone

Nursery Fees

Where curious minds create awe and wonder for everyone

Nursery Fees

  • Nursery fees are payable monthly in advance.
  • Monthly payments must be made before the 25th of the month, payments are accepted by cash, BACS, childcare vouchers or tax-free childcare.
  • Full nursery fees are charged for sickness although no charge is made for bank holidays.
teacher playing with kids
teacher playing with kids

Government funded hours

All 3 & 4 year-olds can get up to 570 funded hours per year from the term after your child turns 3 years old through to starting school. This is usually taken as 15 hours a week for 38 weeks of the year. You can choose to ‘stretch’ the hours over 51 weeks using less hours per week.

The offer will start from 1 January, 1 April or 1 September following your child’s 3rd birthday.

If my child turns 3 years old between I can access their funded hours from
1 January to 31 March Term starting on or after 1 April
1 April to 31 August Term starting on or after 1 September
1 September to 31 December Term starting on or after 1 January

 

 

Funded childcare hours for working parents.

Working parents may be entitled to 30 hours funded childcare support from the term after your child turns 9 months old, until they start school.
Parents must be working at least 16 hours per week on average.
This table may help you identify if you meet the required income threshold:

Your age Yearly 3 months Weekly
21 and over £10,158 £2,539 £195
18 to 20 £8,320 £2,080 £160
Under 18 or an apprentice £6,281 £1,570 £120

For more information about eligibility criteria, please visit the Childcare Choices website or download the Department for Education eligibility document.

Children playing

The Benefits of Preschool

Many families increase their child’s attendance at nursery as they move into the preschool class. An increase in the number of days children attend can help prepare them for the transition to ‘big school’. Three and four year olds are especially keen to develop their social skills and a preschool environment can support this development especially well. Children also benefit from the expansive learning through play opportunities that a highly qualified early years professional can provide, ensuring they leave for school well prepared socially, academically and emotionally.

FAQ

How early do I need to put my child’s name down for a place?

We recommend as soon as possible to secure your place as the nurseries can fill up very fast.

How do I book a place for my child?

You can contact our nursery managers by telephone or email to arrange to have a look around the nursery and complete the paperwork.

Can my child visit before starting their sessions?

To ensure a smooth transition into nursery we recommend at least 3 settling-in visits for all children to enable them to adapt to their new surroundings and to meet staff and children in the room. Where possible, we suggest this is done over 2 weeks to ensure there is time if required, to increase the number of visits.

How often are your nurseries inspected by Ofsted?

OFSTED inspections take place approximately once every cycle, this is normally between 2 and 5 years. New settings are inspected with 2½ years of opening.

Are all staff DBS (police checked)?

Yes, all staff have to have a DBS check completed when they first start at Lime Tree Nursery. All staff are signed up to the DBS update service which allows us to regular check there have been no changes to the DBS status.

Do all staff currently hold a relevant level 3 qualification?

Our staff are qualified to Level 3 in childcare or higher. Staff who do not hold a level 3 qualification are currently studying towards one on our apprenticeship programme.

Are all the staff First aid trained?

All our staff are first aid trained.

How will my child’s progress be checked throughout nursery?

Every child is allocated a key person who will get to know and develop a special bond with your child. They will plan activities based on your child’s interests and complete their learning development journal through observation and link to progress within the EYFS. You will be able to access this through the Family app.

My child has special educational needs and disability (SEND), can they still attend Lime Tree Nursery

They most certainly can. We are a fully inclusive nursery and will adapt our care to the individual needs of each child who attends, where possible. At Lime Tree Nursery, in addition to the SENDCo (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator) based in the nursery, we have a SEND team who provide support, advice and guidance to the Nursery SENDCo for those children who present with additional needs.

How often will my child play outside?

We go outside daily in all-weathers within nursery and where children have direct access to the outdoors we operate free flow play (children choose whether they want to play inside or out).

Do you go for walk/trips?

Yes, it’s important that the children learn about their the local community. We go out on local walks to the park, to visit the library etc.

How can I pay for my childcare fees?

We accept payment by bank transfer, cash and childcare vouchers. We are registered with most childcare voucher companies for parents who receive childcare vouchers through work.

Do you offer 2,3 & 4yr old funded places?

Yes, we offer funded places for eligible 2 year olds, and 3-4 year olds are eligible for 15 and 30 hours free childcare. You can read more about Tax Free Childcare and funded places here (link to more info).

Is there a family discount available if you have more than one child attending the nursery?

Yes, if you have siblings at nursery, there will be a reduction in fees. Please speak to the Nursery Manager at your nursery for more details.

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