Some nurseries, even if only open / or you only book for term time only, will take the total amount for the year and divide it by 12 and therefore charge you the same each month. My old nursery did. Saves parents from not knowing what’s coming out of their bank each month, and keeps the nursery income steady. Otherwise, months where there’s school holidays will cause a cash flow problem. Staff pay will be the same - totalled for the year and divided by 12, rent / mortgage don’t disappear during school holidays for the nursery building and water / gas etc, whilst obviously not used as much in holidays, like in houses, will be a set bill.
There will be a contract of sorts coming, you’ll have to sign the dotted line on some sort of document in order to leave your son there. Just ask (nicely) and I’m sure you will have a perfectly reasonable and acceptable reason for billing remaining the same over half term.
Yes, childcare is expensive. That’s down to government policy and total lack of funding. You’re on cloud cuckoo land if you think they’re capitalising during COVID. The one down the road from me has just gone bust. Once your child hits 3 they will start to benefit from some funded hours. Not free, funded.
It’s expensive because they cost a lot to run. It’s no longer a role that the girls who failed everything at school just go to to have an easy job. Decent pass grades in maths and English are now required as well as a high percentage of staff with the Level 3 minimum qualification. This costs money. Staff who have worked their backsides off for a level 3 or foundation degree or a full BA honours in Early Years are going to want (and deserve) more than the minimum wage (a degree in a nursery will probably get you an extra 30p an hour as it is). Additional training (eg First Aid and Safeguarding) are also not cheap. Plus the equipment, resources, furniture - we looked to revamp our tired looking preschool and got the brochure for Early Years furniture - a single chair was about £45! Every time a book case breaks they’re looking at a three figure bill unless they go for an IKEA trip or such which don’t survive the hustle and bustle for long.....
Every nursery I’ve been to has told parents to supply nappies and wipes. Largely due to different parents wanting different brands and some children reacting badly to certain brands. Likewise sunscreen and baby formulas and bottles.
I’m sorry OP but you got my back up with that capitalising comment. Having spent most of career in nurseries I can absolutely assure you, they are not in a strong position right now. Settle sessions are limited because of COVID restrictions. They’re a nightmare to work around - a settling in session often means the parent stays in the building and right now that can’t happen, not to mention the bubbles. That’s why sadly new children are having to dive straight in.
COVID matter with regards to money will depend on your nursery and there’s no blanket answer. You’ll know when you need to but don’t assume the worst. My old nursery charged around 10% of the normal bill just to cover maintenance and upkeep and rent. All staff furloughed and not topped up.
Early Years is a sector that is failed miserably by lack of funding. I’m dreading it. I want to have children - I look at my income and like you OP I’m thinking bloody hell how is this manageable?! It’s going to eat my entire budget! I don’t know how I will hopefully do it.