OUR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why am I required to complete an Enquiry Form?
Completing our Enquiry Form enables us to gain a thorough understanding of your childcare needs and assess whether we are able to offer you a suitable place. The information you provide is processed in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and securely stored, even if you do not proceed with registration. By submitting the form, you consent to us conducting eligibility checks for government-funded childcare hours. Please ensure all information is accurate, including your date of birth and National Insurance number, which may be required for funding validation.
Do you accept children of all ages?
Yes, we accept children from birth and offer wraparound care (after-school and holiday clubs) for children in full-time Reception Class and above.
How can I find out if you have availability?
You are welcome to call us or send an email with your enquiry. Alternatively, you may complete the Enquiry Form and request a call back, and we will contact you shortly.
When Can I arrange a visit?
We warmly encourage all prospective families to visit our setting prior to registration, as this provides an invaluable opportunity to explore our environment, meet the team, and gain a deeper understanding of our ethos and daily routines.
To arrange a visit, please first complete our online Enquiry Form. Once submitted, you will be given the option to book a visit at a convenient time. This process ensures that we can tailor your visit to your specific needs and allocate sufficient time to answer any questions you may have. Visiting the nursery is an important step in making an informed decision about your child’s early education and care. We look forward to welcoming you and supporting you in this process.
What are your term dates?
Our term dates follow those published by Leeds City Council for Early Years settings. These typically fall within:
- Autumn Term: September to December
- Spring Term: January to March
- Summer Term: April to July
Please note that two weeks of non-funded holidays occur in October.
Invoicing, Payment Methods and Terms
Fees may be settled through Tax-Free Childcare, Childcare Vouchers, Universal Credit, College or University Grants, CGPS, bank transfer, or cash paid directly at the office. Invoices are issued monthly in advance, covering the period from the 1st to the last day of each calendar month. Your first invoice will be issued upon receipt of your initial payment, followed by monthly invoices thereafter.
All fees are payable in advance, and must be received by the 28th of each month to secure continued attendance unless otherwise agreed.
Please be advised that all payments, including initial fees, are non-refundable. We therefore strongly encourage you to ensure that our setting is the right choice for your family before proceeding with payment. By making your initial payment, you are confirming your acceptance of our Terms of Contract, regardless of whether the formal registration forms have been completed at that stage.
Do you provide fee discounts?
Discounts may be available for full-time attendance and families with multiple children attending full days. Enquire for availability.
When can I register for Government-Funded Hours?
Eligibility to access government-funded childcare begins the term following your child’s 9-month milestone, second, or third birthday, depending on the type of funding and code you hold:
- 6-digit code: Entitles you to funded hours from the term after your child turns two.
- 11-digit code: Entitles you to funded hours from the term after both of the following conditions are met:
- Your child has turned nine months for eligible working parents;
- You have received your 11-digit code before the start of the term;
- You have renewed your 11-digit code every three months.
You may check eligibility via the official Childcare Choices website. Alternatively, complete our Enquiry Form and schedule a call with our team for further guidance.
What if I cannot obtain a funding code?
You are required to contact the Family Information Service or access the Childcare Choices portal for support. A valid code is essential to access government-funded hours. If you need assistance, you may schedule a support call and a member of our team will be happy to guide you through the process.
What happens if my funding is delayed or withdrawn?
If your grant or funding is withdrawn, you must provide evidence immediately. Failure to do so may result in personal liability for fees and application of our Termination Policy.
I qualify for 15 or 30 hours of funding—what next?
If you are eligible, please complete the Enquiry Form and schedule a visit. Should you choose to proceed with registration, we will take care of the remaining steps.
As of 1 April 2024, Government-Funded Only places at Renaissance Nurseries are available exclusively to non-working parents.
Working parents will be offered Mixed or Stretched Sessions, for which a monthly fee applies. A fee reduction is applied if your child does not attend during school holiday period
Are there fees associated with Funded Places?
No childcare fees are charged for eligible government-funded hours. However, working parents are required to join our Mixed Place offer, which incurs a monthly fee. Non-working parents must contribute towards Consumables, which are not covered by government funding unless they join our mini sessions. Eligible families may apply for a termly discount or waiver of Consumables Fees, subject to assessment.
Can I access funding while studying?
Yes, you can. Please contact your college or university for guidance.
We accept funding from educational institutions as well as the Childcare Grant Payment Service (CGPS). You may also be eligible for Government-Funded 15 or 30 Hours in addition to your college or university support. For further information and to check your eligibility, please visit the Childcare Choices website.
How Much Do You Charge?
Our fees are discussed in detail during your visit to the nursery, as monthly charges vary based on several factors, including your child’s age, attendance pattern, eligibility for government funding, and session type.
What are "Consumables" and why do I pay for them?
Government funding does not cover the cost of consumables. These charges support the provision of essential daily items and help maintain the high standard of care we provide. Consumables may include meals, snacks, sun cream, outings, parties, and extracurricular activities. Please note that nappies and wipes are not included in our consumables fee and must be provided by parents.
Consumables fees are payable termly or monthly in advance, unless an alternative arrangement has been agreed in writing.
Can I opt to bring a packed lunch instead?
No, we do not permit outside food for children over 9 months old. We cater for all dietary requirements through in-house provision. Exceptions are made only under specific medical or developmental needs.
What if I have more than one child?
Consumables are charged per child. However, for families with three or more children attending, we may waive the fee for the third child upon request.
How do I apply for a Consumables Fee Discount?
Submit proof of benefits, including a full PDF copy of your Universal Credit or Tax Credit statement. Discounts are reviewed termly. If one parent works, you may be required to join Mixed Sessions.
When can my child begin attending?
When a parent chooses to proceed with enrolment, the following steps are required based on the funding type:
- Government-Funded 15 Hours (Non-Working Parents): Settle your first month’s Consumables Fee and upload your most recent Universal Credit statement in PDF format. Eligible parents may complete the Consumables Fee Discount Form to apply for a discount.
- Privately Funded Places: Registration will proceed once your initial payment and registration fee have been received.
- College-Funded Places: Confirmation of approved funding from your college is required.
- CGPS Grant Funding: Link us to your CGPS account and pay your 15% contribution for the first four weeks, along with the registration fee.
Once payments have been received, you will be granted access to the Registration Portal to complete the required forms. Upon verification of these forms, you may book your settling-in sessions and begin attendance from the agreed start date.
Can I register without government funding?
Yes, you may register for a Private Place and attend immediately. If you later qualify for funding, notify us to adjust your sessions and fees.
Are there penalties for missed attendance?
Yes, fees remain payable for all absences, including holidays, illness, and statutory closures. Fees are calculated over 12 months for consistency.
What if I want to terminate my child’s place?
Termination is permitted after a minimum of six months of attendance.
Written notice must be given eight weeks before the end of a term to terminate at the end of the following term by completing the online Termination Form:
- Terminate by 31st December: Notice by the first week of July
- Terminate by 31st March: Notice by the first week of November
- Terminate by 31st August: Notice by the first week of February
From 1st January 2026, 13 weeks (a term) notice will be required to terminate a place.
Can I start with part-time sessions?
Yes. You may start part-time and increase later. This helps with gradual settling and affordability planning.
What support is available if I’m on Universal Credit?
You may be eligible for help with childcare costs through Universal Credit. Ask your Work Coach for the FSF2 Childcare Costs Agreement and Provider Claim Form. We also offer advice and support through a scheduled call.
What if I am waiting for a place in another nursery or school?
We do not offer temporary placements. All registrations are for a minimum six-month commitment to ensure stability for all children and staff.
Can I book or change sessions?
You may:
- Book extra sessions (max. 3 per term).
- Permanently increase or reduce sessions after six months (with notice).
- Change your preferred start date within a two-week window.
Session swapping is not permitted.