Pricing

At Little Smarties we have an inclusive price. This means that there are no hidden surprises. Our fees cover all meals, nappies, accessories, milk (of your choice).

The exception is when your child is entitled to free care under the Government’s Free Funding. This funding covers basic childcare costs, and so food will be charged as extra during your ‘free funded’ period only. The funding covers up to 30 hours per week over school terms, but we stretch this to cover 51 weeks a year. The stretched amount means that you will received up to 22.35 hours a week for free over the 51 week period.

There are different fee arrangements depending on the age of your child. The fees are discounted if your child comes for a full week.

Fees are set once a year and changes will reflect local labour market conditions, government policy regarding funding and other market factors.

Pricing Structure.

Prices are valid from 1st April 2025

Under Two’s

Fees for non-funded hours	£8.70 per hour
Fees for non-funded hours for full timers	£8.00 per hour
Charge for food for every hour of funding	£1.90 per hour

Over Two’s

Fees for non-funded hours	£8.10 per hour
Fees for non-funded hours for full timers	£7.50 per hour
Charge for food for every hour of funding	£1.90 per hour

Note: Maximum funding over 51 week is 11.18 hours per week for a child in receipt of 15 hours and 22.35 hours per week for a child eligible for 30 hours. This is because we stretch the 38 week term of funding over 51 weeks.

Note: Funding starts in the term after your child’s birthday. The cut off dates are 31^st December for the Spring term, 31^st March for the Summer term and 31^st August for the Autumn term.

Note: Your child must be at least 9 months old prior to 31^st August to receive funding in the Autumn term.

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Childcare Vouchers

We accept most childcare vouchers from employers. Vouchers are non-taxable and exempt from National Insurance contributions from employees, whilst offering NI savings for employers. Both parents are eligible to claim as long as they are both in employment.

Tax Credits

Tax credits are available from HM Revenue and Customs, based on your circumstances. You may be able to access help with the cost of childcare if you are working for a minimum of 16 hours per week.

Free Government Funding

The Government funds local authorities to offer early education places free for children over 9 months old. Little Smarties is part of this scheme and receives a basic amount per hour for your child. Three year old children will be eligible following the first term after their third birthday. The funding covers basic childcare and so we charge an extra hourly charge for food.