logo
Register Your Child
Home All Policies

Charging and Remissions Policy



Introduction

LoveSpring Nursery School is committed to providing rich learning experiences for all children, including opportunities beyond our daily nursery activities. We believe every child should have access to these valuable experiences regardless of their family's financial circumstances. This policy outlines our approach to charging for additional activities and our commitment to supporting families who may need financial assistance.

We serve children aged 6 months to 5 years at our Coventry location (CV1 5HA), and our charging approach is designed to be fair, transparent, and supportive of all families in our community.

1. Policy Statement

Our Commitment to Inclusion

LoveSpring Nursery School ensures that:

  • All children can participate in nursery activities regardless of family income
  • Charging for additional activities is fair, reasonable and transparent
  • Financial support is available for families who need it
  • No child is excluded from essential learning experiences due to cost
  • We maintain open communication with parents about costs and support options

2. Principles of Charging

2.1 Free Core Provision

The following are provided free of charge as part of our core nursery offer:

  • All Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum activities
  • Daily learning sessions and planned educational activities
  • Standard nursery resources and equipment
  • Routine care and supervision during nursery hours
  • Basic materials for arts, crafts and learning activities

2.2 Activities That May Incur Charges

Activity Type Charging Principle Examples
Optional Trips & Outings Full cost recovery for transport, entry fees and additional supervision Farm visits, theatre trips, local attraction visits
Specialist Activities Cost of external providers or specialist materials Music sessions, sports coaching, dance workshops
Additional Services Administrative costs for additional documentation Extra copies of reports, certification for other settings
Optional Resources Cost of materials where parents request to keep finished products Special craft projects, personalised items
Additional Hours Fees for hours beyond funded entitlement Extra sessions, early drop-off, late collection

2.3 Charging Procedures

  • All charges will be clearly communicated in advance
  • Payment plans and deposit options available for larger costs
  • No child will be treated differently based on payment status
  • Written confirmation of all charges provided to parents
  • Refund policies clearly stated for cancelled activities

3. Financial Support and Remissions

3.1 Eligibility for Support

Financial support may be available for families receiving:

  • Income Support
  • Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
  • Child Tax Credit (with no Working Tax Credit) with annual income below threshold
  • Universal Credit with household income below threshold
  • Working Tax Credit run-on

3.2 Types of Financial Support

Support Type Coverage Application Process
Full Remission 100% of activity costs covered Automatic for eligible families, confidential process
Partial Support Percentage of costs covered based on circumstances Individual assessment, discretionary funding
Payment Plans Flexible payment options for larger costs Available to all families upon request
Emergency Support Short-term assistance for unexpected circumstances Discretionary, confidential discussion with manager

4. Specific Activity Guidance

4.1 Educational Visits and Outings

Visit Type Charging Status Support Available
Local Walks
(within walking distance)		 No charge Not applicable
Local Visits
(requiring transport)		 Transport costs only Full remission for eligible families
Special Events
(theatre, workshops)		 Full cost recovery Full or partial support available
Residential Visits
(for pre-school children)		 Full cost of accommodation and activities Subsidies and payment plans available

4.2 Additional Services

We offer the following additional services which may incur charges:

  • Early Drop-off/Late Collection: Hourly rate for care outside core hours
  • Additional Sessions: Fees for hours beyond funded entitlement
  • Specialist Classes: Cost of external providers (e.g., music, yoga)
  • Meals and Snacks: Charges for additional meals beyond standard provision
  • Nursery Merchandise: Optional purchased items (uniform, bags)

5. Application and Administration

5.1 Applying for Financial Support

Support Application Process

  1. Initial Discussion: Confidential conversation with Nursery Manager
  2. Application Form: Complete simple financial support application
  3. Evidence: Provide relevant benefit documentation (confidentially handled)
  4. Assessment: Quick decision usually within 3 working days
  5. Confirmation: Written confirmation of support level provided
  6. Review: Regular review of circumstances (typically termly)

5.2 Payment Procedures

Payment Method Process Timescales
Deposit Payments Small initial payment to secure place on trips Required 2 weeks before activity
Instalment Plans Regular payments spread over time Agreed individually with families
Full Payment One-off payment for activities Due 1 week before activity
Online Payments Secure online payment system Available 24/7

6. Communication and Transparency

6.1 Clear Cost Information

We ensure complete transparency through:

  • Detailed cost breakdowns for all chargeable activities
  • Advance notice of all costs (minimum 4 weeks for major trips)
  • Clear information about financial support availability
  • Regular reminders about payment deadlines
  • Accessible information in multiple formats where needed

6.2 Confidentiality Assurance

We maintain strict confidentiality regarding:

  • All financial information provided by families
  • Applications for financial support
  • Individual family circumstances
  • Payment arrangements and histories
  • Discussions about financial difficulties

7. Monitoring and Review

7.1 Regular Policy Review

Review Activity Frequency Responsibility
Policy Compliance Check Termly Nursery Manager
Financial Support Uptake Half-termly Management Team
Parent Feedback Annually All Staff
Full Policy Review Annual Nursery Manager & Owner

7.2 Success Measures

  • All children able to participate in activities regardless of family income
  • Positive feedback from parents about fairness and transparency
  • Effective use of financial support funds
  • Clear communication and understanding of charging principles
  • No children excluded from activities due to cost

8. Related Policies

Integrated Policy Framework

  • Admissions Policy
  • Equality and Diversity Policy
  • Financial Procedures Policy
  • Educational Visits Policy
  • Confidentiality Policy
  • Complaints Procedure

9. Contact Information

Nursery Manager: [Manager's Name]

Finance Administrator: [Administrator's Name]

LoveSpring Nursery School: Coventry, CV1 5HA

Telephone: +44 (0)24 1234 5678

Email: finance@lovespringnursery.co.uk

Confidential Support Enquiries: manager@lovespringnursery.co.uk

Date of Policy: [Current Date]

Last Reviewed: [Current Date]

Next Review Due: [One year from current date]

Signed: _________________________

Position: Nursery Manager/Owner, LoveSpring Nursery School

Subscribe to get free updates and newsletters

Quick Links
Parent Resources
Legal & Policies

Copyright © 2025 All Rights Reserved by LoveSpring

L O V E S P R I N G

Loading