At Helmdon Acorns Pre-School, we are committed to being open and transparent about all costs. As a small village setting, we provide high-quality, equitable, and accessible care for every family in our community. Eligible families can access up to 30 hours of government-funded free childcare each week. For additional items or services, parents can choose to opt in and pay for each extra, or opt out and provide their own.
Who is eligible for funded childcare hours?
Eligible families can access up to 30 hours of free funded childcare per week during term time. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, please visit the government’s childcare support website, Find free early education and childcare – GOV.UK, or email us for guidance at enquiries@helmdonacorns.org.uk.
What sessions do you offer?
We offer flexible session blocks to accommodate different family schedules. You can book your child’s hours in the following blocks:
Full Day: 8:00am – 3:00pm (7 hours)
School Day: 9:00am – 3:00pm (6 hours)
Morning Session: 9:00am – 12:00pm (3 hours)
With Lunch 12:00pm – 12:30pm (chargeable for non-funded sessions)
Afternoon Session: 12:00pm – 3:00pm (3 hours)
Can I use my government funding for these sessions?
Yes. All of our session blocks can be covered using your 15 or 30-hour government funding entitlement, provided you have hours available.
Do you provide lunch?
Children attending the Full Day, School Day, or Afternoon sessions will need to bring a healthy, nut-free packed lunch. We provide a healthy snack during the morning and afternoon sessions for a small fee (see our Prices section). Alternatively, you may provide your own.
What are ‘private hours’ and how are they charged?
Private hours are any hours your child attends above the funded entitlement, or if your family is not eligible for funding. These are currently charged at £5.54 per hour.
What “Consumables” and Snacks are covered?
Government funding covers teaching and core curriculum resources. Our voluntary fees cover the “extras” that keep our setting running smoothly and make our days special:
Healthy Snacks: Nutritious snacks provided in the morning and afternoon at £0.50 per snack session attended.
Outdoor & Allotment: Seeds for our allotment and ingredients for our weekly baking sessions.
Hygiene & Upkeep: Tissues, sun cream, and the laundering of reusable handcloths and waterproofs used during outdoor play.
How do I opt in or out of these extras?
All parents receive an opt-in/opt-out form when joining or at the start of the term. If you choose to opt out of the snack fee, we ask that you please provide a healthy, nut-free snack for your child for each session. If you opt out of consumables, we will email you a list of items to bring (e.g., a named bottle of sun cream) and may ask you to provide and maintain your child’s own waterproofs and towels.
How will I know about additional voluntary workshops?
We aim to provide at least 4 weeks’ notice via email for any optional activities, such as Mini Medics. This will include full details and costs so you can decide whether to participate.
How are fees invoiced and when do I pay?
Invoices are issued termly. We know that family budgets vary, so you are very welcome to pay in equal monthly instalments to spread the cost. Details on how to set this up are included on your invoice.
How should I contact you regarding my fees?
As a small setting, our priority during drop-off and pick-up is the children. Because these times are very busy, we kindly ask all questions regarding invoices, funding, or “opt-out” choices to be sent via email.
All 3 and 4-year-olds in England are entitled to 570 hours of funded Early Years education per year. This is usually taken as 15 hours per week across 38 weeks of the year.
You claim your funded hours from the start of the term after your child turns 3.
Working parents can now apply and receive 30 hours of funded childcare for children aged 9 months and older, effective September 2025.
You can check if you are eligible for 30 hours of funded childcare (1,140 hours per year) by visiting https://www.gov.uk/check-eligible-free-childcare-if-youre-working
https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/30-hours-childcare-support/working-families/eligibility
Free education and childcare for 2-year-olds, if you get extra support, some 2-year-olds in England are entitled to 570 hours of approved funded Early Years education per year, depending on specific eligibility. Please follow the link below for more information:
https://www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs/free-childcare-2-year-olds-extra-support
For more funding information, you can visit the West Northamptonshire website or by contacting the preschool.
