Charging for meals since new Funding is starting?

[PCOSmumma]

Hello everyone,

just wanted to know if this sounds right, my son (15 months ) goes to nursery twice a week and normally the meals are included as we fully pay for his nursery but since the new funding of 15 hours ( he gets 11 as he isn’t term time only and goes all year around). One day is basically now “ free” but the nursery is now charging us for the meals for that day, sorry if I sound clueless but does that seem right?

thanks In advance.

Yes funding doesn't cover food, nappies, additional activities etc just the childcare itself.

Yes they charge for extras like food because the funding doesn't actually cover the true cost of the hours. It sounds like a bargain to be honest.

Yes that's right - technically according to the rules these charges have to be voluntary, as in there has to be the option for you to give breakfast at home, send in packed lunch, and therefore avoid the charge.

This.

The funding covers the childcare only. No sundries as such.

Some nurseries will offer a fee to provide all nappies, food, snacks and extras but they also have to offer the childcare part for free and allow you to provide this for your child at no extra cost.

When you pay a full days fees often the sundries are added into that cost as it's higher than the funding

thank you all for replying!