We strive to be as flexible as possible to meet the needs of the children and families at Little Fishes, ensuring we are accessible to everyone. We do not specify when the funded hours are taken. You may use more than one setting, but your child cannot claim more than 15 or 30 hours (depending on your eligibility) per week in total. The entitlement is for 38 weeks a year.

3 & 4 Year Olds

Universal 15 hours – Every child is entitled to claim up to 15 hours funding a week from the funding period after their 3rd birthday. Any hours attended over these 15 hours will be charged at £9.50.

Working families – Eligible working parents can access up to 30 hours childcare support at Little Fishes. Due to our weekly opening hours, we can offer up to 27.5 hours funding to eligible children from the term/funding period after their 3rd birthday.

2 Year Olds

Families receiving some additional form of government support – We are a part of the Early Years Funding scheme that allows eligible children to receive funded early years education from the term/funding period after their 2nd birthday.

Working families – Eligible working parents of 2-year-olds can currently access 15 hours childcare support. From September 2025, eligible working parents of 2-year-olds will be able to access up to 30 hours of childcare support. Due to our weekly opening hours, we can offer up to 27.5 hours funding to eligible children from the term/funding period after their 2nd birthday.”

For more information, please visit:  www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

Pupil Premium

Little Fishes may be able to claim additional, Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP) funding on behalf of eligible children from 2 years old and over. The premium can be spent on supporting the development, learning and care of children. For more information, please visit: Early Years Pupil Premium

FEES & INVOICING

From April 2025 fees will be charged at £9.50 per hour.

Snack is charged at £0.20 per morning session although families are welcome to provide their own snack and opt out of this payment.

We will issue an invoice before the start of each term based on the sessions requested, clearly outlining funded hours, any fee paying hours and any additional costs for example snacks, outings etc.

We ask that payment of the invoice is prompt. We accept cash, bank transfer, childcare vouchers or payment via the Government Tax-Free Childcare Service. We are happy to arrange payment schedules, if desired. 

Please note that we require half a term’s notice or half a term’s fees if you withdraw your child from the Nursery School or reduce the number of hours that they attend.