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Original poster

Do you pay your nursery's essentials and extras fee?

181 replies

Brightyellowflowers · 01/04/2025 20:10

My DCs go to a private nursery and receive the 30 hours funding. We've just had notification that the fee they charge for extras is now "non-mandatory" (as per new government guidance). They charge £1.80 per funded hour, which doesn't sound much, but for two kids it's an extra £171 a month each... which is 4k a year!

I appreciate that government funding doesn't always cover their costs, but I can't afford to pay 4k if I don't have to. What is everyone doing? Do you pay this charge? I feel like the nursery is guilt tripping parents into paying it and just wanted to check what the norm is.

OP posts:
ThejoyofNC · 01/04/2025 20:19

Well obviously you can afford it as you've been paying it.

MerryBeret · 01/04/2025 20:18

I also look at it as 'wow, 30 hours of childcare a week for just £171 a month' which is loads less than before the free hours, rather than bemoaning that it's not completely free. I think that mindset helps. It's like not focusing on how much tax you're paying but how much money you get to take home!

Cerealkiller9000 · 01/04/2025 20:18

Brightyellowflowers · 01/04/2025 20:10

My DCs go to a private nursery and receive the 30 hours funding. We've just had notification that the fee they charge for extras is now "non-mandatory" (as per new government guidance). They charge £1.80 per funded hour, which doesn't sound much, but for two kids it's an extra £171 a month each... which is 4k a year!

I appreciate that government funding doesn't always cover their costs, but I can't afford to pay 4k if I don't have to. What is everyone doing? Do you pay this charge? I feel like the nursery is guilt tripping parents into paying it and just wanted to check what the norm is.

It’s why people can’t afford kids anymore.

MerryBeret · 01/04/2025 20:17

I'd pay it as presumably the nursery will close otherwise?

With tax free childcare it's £3 a year for both so not extortionate really.

I'm paying mine, haven't questioned it and also don't want the hassle of providing lunches etc.

Original poster
Brightyellowflowers · 01/04/2025 20:15

This is what I don't understand. Apparently we can't provide food due to allergies. But they still aren't legally allowed to charge for lunch without giving you the option to not pay it.

OP posts:
ScrewedByFunding · 01/04/2025 20:12

What does it cover? Will you be providing food and consumables instead then?