What are the term dates?

The term dates align with Leeds City Council Early Years Terms Dates, which are shared annually with all Early Years settings. These terms usually span:

• Autumn: September to December
• Spring: January to March
• Summer: April to July
• Additionally, there are 2 weeks of holidays in October, which are non-funded weeks.

When can I register for Government Funded Hours?

You can register from the term following your child’s 2nd or 3rd birthday until they start reception class or reach compulsory school age (5 years). If you have a 6-digit code, your child can start the term after their second birthday. If you have an 11-digit code, your child can start the term after you obtain your code and your child's second birthday.

From September 2024, working parents of children aged 9 months and over can apply for a 11-digit code.

Do I qualify for the Government Funded 15 or 30 hours?

To check your eligibility, visit the government or childcare choices website or complete our Enquiry Form and book a Call for guidance.

I qualify for the 15 hours FEEE. What's next?

Once you have your 6-digit Funded Childcare Code, complete our Enquiry Form and book a Visit. We'll handle the rest if you decide to register with us. If you work, check out our Private or Mixed Place section even with a 6-digit code.

I qualify for the 30 hours FEEE. What's next?

Once you have your Funded Childcare Code, complete our Enquiry Form via our Private or Mixed Place section and book a visit. We'll manage the rest if you choose to register with us. As of April 1, 2024, Government Funded only places are offered to non-working parents, while working parents will be offered Mixed Sessions.

Do I pay to attend the FEEE?

No, but if you work, you must join our Mixed Funded Place. Non-working parents must apply for Consumables Fee Waiver every term.

Why am I asked to pay for consumables?

Government Funding doesn't cover Consumables, which help us pay fair wages and remain viable.

I have more than one child. Do I pay Consumables Fees for each of them?

Yes, but we may not charge for more than 2 children. If you have more than 2 children attending, you can request a Consumables Fee Waiver. Working parents can get help from Universal or Tax Credit.

Can I send a packed lunch instead of paying for the consumables?

No, we don't typically allow food from home. Consumables Fees are due unless you qualify for a waiver. This is because they cover more than just meals, and there's no reduction for non-attendance like holidays or sickness absences.

When can I start?

If you have an 11-digit code, you can start the term after obtaining your Childcare Funding Code. For children aged 3 attending the Government Funded 15 Hours Place, you can start the term after they turn 3. No Childcare Funding Code is needed for 15-hour attendance at age 3.

I want to attend more than the 15 or 30 hours.

If you're a working parent, visit the Enquire For Private or Mixed Place page. For students, go to the College/Uni Enquiry page.

I am due to return to work and rely on Universal Credit for my first consumables fee payment. What can I do?

Speak to your work coach for help with childcare.

What if I start working?

You'll be moved to our Mixed sessions automatically. By joining us, you are agreeing to our Terms of Contract.

I completed the enquiry form and visited over 3 months ago.

Please submit a new enquiry form, even if you don't plan to revisit. Then book a call or request a call back.

When can I terminate my childcare place?

You can terminate your childcare place six months after starting with us, provided you give notice at least six weeks before the end of the current term. This will allow the termination to take effect at the end of the following term.

Our Termination Dates are 31st December, 31st March and 31st August.

For example,

- If you wish to terminate on the 31st of December, we advise that you give notice in July. - If you wish to terminate on the 31st of March, we advise you give notice in November.

- If you wish to terminate on the 31st of August, we advise you give notice in February.

I am ready to join, how do I make my first payment?

If you do not qualify for waiver, you can find our bank details on our Fees Portal or by clicking the "Make a Payment" tab above. Alternatively, you can email or text us to confirm once you've made the payment.

What if I can't afford the Consumables fee?

If the consumables fee poses a financial burden, we're open to discussing reduced or waived fees. We also offer alternative sessions for those unable to contribute toward consumables. Reach out to us to discuss your financial situation. You can apply for a Consumables Fees Waiver if you're unemployed or have recently taken responsibility for the child without receiving financial assistance. You'll need to reapply termly if you continue to qualify for a waiver. Submit a copy of your full Universal or Tax Credit report or other benefit proof. If you're employed, consult your work coach for available assistance. You might be eligible for Universal Credit to cover nursery fees, including consumables. Check the Gov. website for details. If you are a couple and only one parent work, we may be ale to offer you a waiver.

What are the Consumables?

These include meals, drinks, snacks, certain medications like paracetamol, sunscreen, and nappy creams, select parties and gift bags, specific trips/outings, and extra-curricular activities such as regular trips and Forest School. Exclusions are nappies or pull-ups, wipes, and some trips/outings.

When are the Consumables fees due?

Consumables fees are due before registering with us, then termly in advance or as agreed upon in writing. In some cases, we may allow monthly payments upon discretion. Refer to our Payment Terms for more details.

Consumable Fees are due by the last day of August, November and February each year.

Parents are to submit the Waiver Application Form before fees are due.

But my friend's nursery doesn't charge for Consumables.

Every organisation operates differently based on their financial planning. Your friend's nursery may offer different sessions or have a different funding structure. They may operate as a charity, a CIC or is fully funded by the Local Authority. 

How do you calculate your Consumables charge?

As a private organisation, we don't disclose the specifics of our charges. However, we strive to align with other settings in our community and adhere to government guidelines to ensure fairness.

My child doesn't like to eat. Do I still pay the consumables fees?

Yes, consumables fees are due in full regardless of your child's attendance or eating habits unless you qualify for a waiver.

Can my payment date be changed?

You can request to align your Consumables Fee payment with your Universal or Tax Credit Payment. Provide evidence of your payment dates via email.

Can I join your waiting list?

Yes, complete the Enquiry Form, visit us, pay your registration and first-term consumables fees, and your place will be secured for the term after your child turns 2 or 3. However, if you're applying for a waiver, you can't join the waiting list but can register as soon as you obtain your code. By registering, you're entering a binding contract with us, subject to our termination notice period. Please review our Terms of Contract before registering.

I get other benefits. Can I still apply for a Consumables Fee Waiver?

Yes, submit a full report of your benefits for assessment. If you and anyone on the report are unemployed, we can waive your charge if you are on low income. If anyone on the report is employed, you must join our Mixed Sessions unless you qualify for a waiver.

I am unemployed but my partner works. Do I pay for Consumables?

Yes except on exceptional circumstances. If your partner is named on your benefit statement or report, you're required to join our Mixed sessions unless you are on low income. In this case, please check with us before completing the Enquiry Form.

Can I start before I qualify for Government funded hours?

Yes, you can join our private sessions until you qualify for funded hours. If funded hours start after the first of the month, you'll be charged privately for the non-funded weeks.

I do not work but my partner does. Can I register for Funded only sessions?

Yes, as long as your partner is named on your Universal or Tax Credit statement and has a low income. You'll need to pay for consumables in full. If you both work, you'll be moved to our Mixed sessions to receive government assistance with childcare fees.

I am waiting to start in a different nursery or school. Can I join you?

Unfortunately, we do not provide temporary sessions, and all new parents are expected to commit to a minimum of 6 months before terminating their childcare place. This Term of Contract is in place to maintain financial stability for our business and to provide consistency for the children in our care.

How do you know if I work or not?

Parents claiming government-funded hours only must submit their Universal or Tax Credit statement termly for consumables fee waiver eligibility checks.

Can I swap my sessions?

No, but you can book extra sessions as needed on an irregular basis or adjust your regular sessions. These variations are subject to our Notice Period and availability. You can book a maximum of three extra sessions every three months and up to six per year. If you require regular extra sessions, consider increasing your attendance, as it may be more cost-effective.