Transparent pricing — and free childcare you may not know about

At Little Chums, parents can access nursery care totally free of charge through Government funding. Here's everything you need to know about what you're entitled to and what our sessions cost.

Nursery care — completely free of charge

Thanks to Government funded childcare, many of our families pay nothing at all for their child's place at Little Chums. We're proud to be a setting where funded hours can cover your child's full session costs — making us genuinely unique.

Free childcare hours —
you may be entitled

The Government's funded childcare scheme means many families pay significantly less than you might expect. We're here to help you understand what you're entitled to and make the most of it.

All 3 & 4 year olds

15 Hours Free Childcare

Every child aged 3–4 is entitled to 15 hours of free early education per week, 38 weeks a year. No means testing — it's available to all families.

  • 15 hours per week, 38 weeks a year
  • Available to all 3 and 4 year olds
  • Can be used across term-time sessions
Working families

30 Hours Free Childcare

Eligible working families with 3–4 year olds can access up to 30 hours of free childcare per week — doubling the standard entitlement.

  • 30 hours per week for eligible families
  • Both parents/carers must be working
  • Apply via the Government's Childcare Choices
Gov

Check your eligibility

Visit the official Best Start in Life website to find out what you're entitled to

Best Start in Life

Once you receive your funding code, share it with us ahead of the new term. Our team is always happy to help — just give us a call on 01245 202230.

Tax-Free Childcare

Save up to £2,000 a year with Tax-Free Childcare

For every £8 you put into a childcare account, the Government adds £2 — up to £500 every 3 months (£2,000 per year) per child.

  • Available to working parents of children under 12
  • Government adds 20p for every 80p you pay in
  • Up to £500 top-up every 3 months per child
  • Can be used alongside 15 or 30 hours free childcare
Check eligibility at Best Start in Life

How it works

1

Open an account

Set up a Tax-Free Childcare account on the Government Gateway.

2

Pay in

Add money to your account — the Government tops it up by 20%.

3

Pay Little Chums

Use the funds in your account to pay your nursery fees directly.

Tax-Free Childcare cannot be used at the same time as childcare vouchers or Universal Credit childcare. Check which is best for your family at childcarechoices.gov.uk.

Transparent pricing

No hidden costs

There are no hidden costs when attending Little Chums Nursery.

As we are a term time only setting, you can access your funding free of charge. You only pay if you use over your funding allowance or you do not qualify under government rules. We ask that your child brings in nappies for the day but everything else is provided. We do not charge for consumables or enhancements as we at Little Chums feel that all of these things are a normal part of the nursery day. This does not mean that enhancements are not provided. The children are given a rich variety of fun and exciting activities during their time at nursery.

  • No charges for consumables or enhancements

  • Everything provided — just bring nappies for the day

  • Only pay if you exceed your funding allowance

  • Rich variety of fun and exciting activities included

Session prices

Simple, transparent pricing with no hidden extras.

Non-funded hours

£8.00per hour

Hot dinner

£2.70per meal

Fresh, home-cooked on site daily

Afternoon tea

£1.00per serving

Healthy snack served each afternoon

Breakfast club

£5.00per session

After school club

£12.00per session

Until 6:00pm

Ready to find out more?

Get in touch and we'll walk you through your funding entitlement and what a place at Little Chums looks like for your family.