We are open term-time only – Monday to Friday for 6½ hours per day.

• Morning sessions: 9:00 – 12:00
• Lunch club 12:00 – 12:30
• Afternoon sessions 12:30 – 3:30

Children may attend for any combination of the above, as long as we have space available.

Children attending the Lunch Club session may either bring a packed lunch or may pre-order a hot lunch (cost of £2) which is delivered to the setting by Limes Farm in Farthinghoe.

Fees

We are a registered charity managed by a voluntary committee of parents. Children aged 3 years are entitled to 15 hours per week free education for the calendar block after their third birthday. (See above). Fees are payable for all children aged two years, and for hours exceeding 15 per week (three and four year olds). We set the fees at a level merely to cover costs and ensure that we can continue to fulfil our charitable aims.  We will always give at least six weeks’ notice of any fee increases.

Registration fee – on registering your child, we ask for a deposit of £25, which is non-returnable but will be subtracted from your first invoice. (Non- funded children only)

• Morning session fee (9:00 – 12:00) – £10.50
• Lunch club (12:00 – 12:30) – £1.75
• Afternoon session (12:30 – 3:30) – £10.50
• Snack payment – 20p per session – the children can choose from a selection of fresh fruit, vegetables, toast, bread, etc and we make a separate charge to cover this cost. This is a voluntary donation for Free Education Entitlement Sessions.

Fees continue to be payable if a child is absent for a short time period (with or without notice). In cases of prolonged absence, parents should consult the Treasurer about fee payment. Each child’s attendance at the pre-school is conditional upon the continued payment of any outstanding fees. Six weeks’ notice of any change to your child’s hours is required by the Pre-School.

You will receive an invoice in September, January and April and may pay in three installments over a two-term period or in full by cheque, cash or bank transfer. If you wish to make alternative payment arrangements you should contact the Administrator.

You may also be able to pay using a childcare voucher scheme run by your employers. This is a tax efficient method so do ask your employer if this is available to you. In addition, parents may claim extra tax credits as soon as they start paying childcare costs for the amounts that are actually paid. Contact the Tax Credit Office on 0845 300 3900 or see www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits for more information.

Early Years Free Education Entitlement

All three and four year olds are entitled to a free, part-time early education place of 15 hours per week for 38 weeks per year from the calendar block after their third birthday. We are open for a total of 32.5 hours per week for thirty eight weeks; therefore if your child attends up to 15 hours per week (and takes no entitlement at another setting) childcare will be free at Helmdon Acorns. The Pre-school applies for the funding on behalf of your child (you will be required to sign a declaration form in January, April and September.)