Government funding for 15 and 30 hours of childcare aims to provide high-quality, safe, and educational environments where children can learn and thrive. However, because this funding often falls short of actual operational costs, providers may request supplementary payments.
Legally, your provider must inform you of any extra charges beyond the funded hours. These additions include:
- Consumables - personal care and hygiene items like nappies, wipes, and sun cream
- Food and drink - costs for meals, snacks, and drinks
- Additional hours - any childcare provided outside your standard funded hours
- Extra-curricular activities - special trips, outings, or external classes
Rules for extra charges
The Department for Education (DfE) requires providers to be completely transparent about these costs. Supplementary charges must meet the following three standards:
- Voluntary - paying these fees cannot be a requirement to secure a funded place
- Itemised - your invoices must clearly break down individual costs
- Accessible - pricing information must be easily available to all parents
If you have concerns about extra costs, speak with your provider. They may agree to waive certain fees if you supply your own meals or nappies.
Deposits and special fees
Providers may require a refundable deposit to secure a funded place for two, three, and four-year-olds. If you do not take up the childcare place, you may lose this deposit. However, providers should not charge deposits to vulnerable or disadvantaged families to ensure there are no barriers to access.
Additionally, childminders may charge for "on-call" services, such as emergency cover while a child is at another setting using their free hours.
Written agreements and invoicing
Providers must keep invoicing transparent. They are required to create a formal written agreement with you, known as the Parental Declaration Form.
This form acts as a legal contract between you and your provider. It details:
- Your agreed childcare hours
- The exact number of funded hours per day
- The total number of weeks per year your child will attend
- Any additional charges (such as consumables or extra hours)
Do not sign the declaration form until you fully understand and agree to all the listed details. A new form must be completed if any of this information changes in the future.