Childcare Funding Nursery Grants

The childcare grants are now available for all children the term after their 3rd birthday. The grants are available in Ofsted registered nurseries and playgroups. The amount of sessions that can be claimed per week is 5. This can be split between two providers e.g. nursery and playgroup. A full day counts as 2 sessions.

As a provider registered with Cheshire County council and Ofsted we are eligible to claim the grant on your behalf. This involves us completing the paperwork. As parents you need only to sign a parent declaration form stating how many session you are claiming here or elsewhere.

The grant is available 38 weeks per year. Head count days are sent from Cheshire County Council. The grant is deducted from your invoice each calender month.

Child Care Vouchers

The cost of your childcare can be taken out of your salary before the NI and Tax contributions are calculated. This is done through your employer registering on one of the childcare voucher schemes such as Busy Bees, Leapfrog and various others. You can off set up to £243 per parent per month, gaining a saving of 34% which equates to £83 per person per month.

Your employer deducts your childcare figure from your salary and then forwards the amount for the childcare to the nominated voucher scheme. The nominated scheme then sends you a voucher, which you pay to us with any outstanding balance.

Working Family Tax Credit

If you are working over 16 hours per week and have a joint income of up to £58,000 you may be entitled to the Working Family Tax Credit.

For further information contact our office or telephone the help line on 0845 300 3900.

Smarties Fees

NURSERY FEES FROM JANUARY 2010
Fees to include
Fees include all meals for day attendees and a mid-morning snack or full afternoon tea for sessional attenders. Diddi Dance session provided weekly. Music sessions three times per week. Teaching sessions daily by our fully qualified teachers. The nursery provides nappies and other changing products. Other options available at nursery are Riding, Ballet, Stretch’n'Grow and French.

Holidays and Sickness
There is no charge for bank holidays or when the nursery is closed.  Full fees are charged for the first two weeks of illness, after which a retainer of 50% of full fees will be charged.

Grants and Childcare Vouchers
We are registered as a provider with Chester City Council Early Years and Ofsted which enables us to accept the childcare grant, commencing the term after a child’s 3rd birthday. We also accept vouchers from Busy Bees, Leapfrog, Childcare Options and various other childcare vouchers.

Siblings
When there are two children attending for the same amount of time, there is a reduction of 10% on the oldest child’s fees. Alternatively 10% reduction for the sibling who attends least.

Ages	Half Sessions	Full Day
0-2	8.00 to 12.30 – £25.75	(including all meals and nappies)
	1.30 to   6.00 – £25.75	8.00 to 6.00 – £42.25
2 – 3	8.00 to 12.30 – £25.25	(including all meals and nappies)
	1.30 to   6.00 – £25.25	8.00 to 6.00 – £41.25
3 – 5	8.00 to 12.30 – £24.25	(including all meals)
	1.30 to   6.00 – £24.25	8.00 to 6.00 – £38.75
Lunch (for children attending half sessions) – £ 3.50 Extra hours subject to availability – £ 6.00 per hour

Cancellation or Withdrawal
One full month’s notice must be given in writing before the withdrawal of a child.

Smartcare Fees

Fees to Include
Fees are calculated on a daily basis for holiday care.

Holiday Club
Holiday Club fees are due in full on the first day of attendance. Once a booking has been made a full fee will be charged unless one months notice has been given for booking cancellations. Full fees are payable for sessions missed through illness.

Holiday Club – Half Day Session	£18.50  -  8am to 12.30pm
To include mid morning snack or afternoon tea. All activities, trips and visiting specialists are included in the cost	£18.50  -  1.30pm to 6pm
Holiday Club – Full Day Session	£29.50  -  8am to 6pm
Full day children are provided with a mid morning snack, a two course lunch and afternoon tea. All activities, trips and visiting specialists are included in the cost
10% discount for siblings. Lunch is available for sessional children @ £2.75 per day.