(Updated for EYFS 2025)
Effective from: 1 April 2025
Policy Statement: At Just Little Ones Childminding, we are committed to delivering high-quality, affordable, and accessible childcare services in line with the statutory guidance on early education and childcare entitlements. This policy outlines how we offer government-funded early education hours, additional charges, and our approach to transparency in invoicing, in accordance with the latest Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory guidance and the Early Education and Childcare Entitlements guidance, effective from 1 April 2025.
Funded Early Education Entitlement
We offer government-funded childcare places as part of the 15-hour and 30-hour free entitlement scheme for eligible two, three, and four-year-old children. These funded hours:
- Are available free of charge to parents.
- Can be accessed without any mandatory additional charges.
- Are offered during agreed sessions, in line with the EYFS requirements.
Additional Charges
While the government funding covers the cost of delivering high-quality early education, it does not cover:
- Meals (breakfast, lunch, snacks, and tea).
- Consumables (nappies, wipes, sun cream, etc.).
- Additional activities such as trips, extra-curricular experiences, or specialist classes.
Voluntary Contributions:
Parents may choose to contribute towards these additional costs, but these charges are entirely optional and must not be a condition of accessing a free place. Reasonable alternatives will be available where possible (e.g., parents may provide a packed lunch instead of purchasing meals).
Transparency & Invoicing
To ensure transparency and compliance with statutory guidance, our invoices will clearly itemise the following:
- Free entitlement hours received.
- Additional private paid hours (if applicable).
- Food charges.
- Non-food consumable charges.
- Activity charges (if applicable).
Childminders are not required to publish their charges online, but this information will be clearly communicated to parents via written agreements and invoices.
Charging for Private Hours
Parents may choose to book additional private childcare hours beyond their funded entitlement. These additional hours:
- Are subject to standard hourly rates.
- Must not be a requirement for accessing a funded place.
Deposits & Fees
- A refundable deposit may be required to secure a funded place, but this must be returned once the child starts attending.
- Non-refundable registration fees must not be charged for entitlement-funded places.
Flexibility of Hours
- Parents will receive clear information on how many free hours they are entitled to per week.
- There will be no artificial breaks in free entitlement hours that prevent parents from using their full entitlement in a way that supports their work commitments.
- Patterns of provision will depend on availability within the childminding setting.
Alignment with EYFS 2025 Changes
This policy reflects the latest EYFS updates effective from September 2025, ensuring that our setting remains compliant with new requirements, including:
- Clearer invoicing and breakdown of charges by January 2026.
- Ensuring fair access to free places without mandatory charges.
- Offering reasonable alternatives for additional chargeable items.
Review & Monitoring
This policy will be reviewed annually or earlier if required to remain compliant with statutory guidance. Parent feedback will be welcomed to ensure transparency and fairness in all charging practices.
Signed: Jemma & Dale Ferriday
Date: August 2025
Review Date: April 2027