Fees
đź’° Fees and Payments at the Playgroup
What are the Fees for Attending the Playgroup?
For children accessing additional hours beyond the Free Entitlement or attending on a full-fee basis:
-Children aged 3 years and over: ÂŁ8.50 per hour
-Children aged 2 years: ÂŁ9.00 per hour (reducing to ÂŁ8.50 per hour from the term following their third birthday)
Fees are reviewed annually and any changes take effect from the Summer Term.
How are Fees Paid?
Fees are invoiced every half term. Individual payment plans can be arranged.
🧸 Child Care Vouchers
Can Child Care Vouchers Be Used for Payment?
The playgroup accepts Child Care Vouchers from employers as part or full payment. Arrangements can be made for monthly payments.
Who Can I Speak to for More Information About Child Care Vouchers?
For more details about using Child Care Vouchers, please speak to Lesley.
đź“š Early Education Funding (Free Entitlement)
Are There Any Age-Specific Fee Conditions?
The playgroup is registered with West Sussex County Council to provide Universal and Extended Free Early Education Entitlement (FEE).
This funding is available as follows:
3 and 4-year-olds
All children are entitled to 15 hours of Universal Free Early Education per week, starting from the term after their 3rd birthday.
Eligible working families may be entitled to the Extended Free Entitlement of up to 30 hours per week.
2-year-olds (EYFF) Some 2-year-olds may be eligible for Early Years Funding for Families (EYFF). This includes:
-Local Authority–issued EYFF (9LA)
-EYFF for working families, which may provide up to 30 hours per week, subject to eligibility.
The playgroup is open 28 hours per week, term time only.
For more information about eligibility and how to apply, please see the West Sussex Free Early Education Entitlement guidance
Can FE Hours Be Split Between Settings?
FE hours may be split between two settings, with additional hours paid for at the hourly rate.
Useful Documents
For information about claiming your Free Entitlement or understanding Early Years Funding, please see the following documents:
⏰ Attendance and Absence Policies
Are Fees Still Payable if My Child is Absent?
Fees are payable even if a child is unable to attend.
What is the Notice Period for Discontinuing Attendance?
A half term’s notice is required if you no longer wish your child to attend the playgroup.
Funding & Voluntary Contributions
How do funded hours and voluntary contributions work?
All eligible children are entitled to access their Early Years Free Entitlement (EYFE) hours without any conditions attached. We issue termly invoices to clearly show funded hours and any additional hours attended. We may invite voluntary contributions towards registration, activities, enrichment sessions and snacks.
These contributions are optional and not a condition of your child’s place, but they help support the quality of experiences we offer. Charges may apply for activities that take place outside a child’s normal funded attendance pattern. Read More.
How do I confirm what voluntary contributions I am willing to make?
Parents who wish to make voluntary contributions can do so by completing the Voluntary Contributions Agreement Form. All contributions are optional and not a condition of your child’s place. Download here.