โฑ๏ธFree Entitlement (15hr & 30Hrs) Policy

This policy was adopted on 30 August 2022 and is reviewed annually

Free early learning gives children the best start in life. The experience of learning and playing with other children in a safe and structured environment will enable children to make a smooth transition to primary school.

15 Hours Universal Eligibility

To ensure all children have access to Early Years provision, all 3 and 4 year olds are entitled to 15 hours (Universal) per week of free nursery education for 38 weeks of the year from the term following their third birthday.

Extended 30 Hours Free Entitlement

The government only entitles parents/legal guardians who meet the eligibility requirements (e.g. income requirements) to the Extended 30 Hours Free Entitlement. If you are eligible, you will need to apply for and obtain a 30 hours code via your Childcare Service Account. Regulation requires us to validate your 30 hours code with the local authority using your childโ€™s date of birth, 30 hours code and National Insurance Number. We will ask for your 30 hours validation code and national insurance number when you register. By providing this information, you are giving us consent to validate your 30 hours code.

If you wish your child to attend for additional hours you will be charged according to our rates (ยฃ8 per hour for a 2yr old or ยฃ7 an hour for 3yr+)

Eligibility Age

Children who are 3 between;Will become eligible for funding from

1 April and 31 August

September

1 September and 31 December

January

1 January and 31 March

April

What Natural Nurture Nursery Offers

You can choose to use your free entitlement during term time only (38 weeks per year).

Free Entitlement Session Times

Free Entitlement sessions are available in three hourly slots; funded hours cannot be accrued in a piecemeal way but are offered in specific sessions only. At Natural Nurture you can choose to use funded hours 9am-12pm (one 3 hour session) or 9am-3pm (one 6 hour session).

Deposit when using Free Entitlement Hours Only

If you are only using Free Entitlement Hours (only 9am โ€“ 12pm or 9am โ€“ 3pm) then a ยฃ50 registration fee is not required.

Farm Gear options when using Free Entitlement Hours Only

If you are only using Free Entitlement Hours (only 9am โ€“ 12pm or 9am โ€“ 3pm) then there are two options available to you regarding Farm Gear;

  1. You pay a ยฃ50 contribution to the Farm Gear that the nursery supplies. As your child grows we will put them in larger sizes with no additional charge.

  2. You bring in your own Farm Gear (see below on what is required) at no cost however due to Environmental Health policies this gear must stay on the farm at all times.

Farm Gear is to consist of;

  1. Waterproof and Windproof Trousers and Coat

  2. Wellington boots with removable liner

  3. Fleece

Further FE information

Further information can be found here

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