30 ‘free’ hours free childcare - voluntary payments??

[Ubbee]

We’re finally at the point where we get the 30 ‘free’ hours each week (during term time) and just had the revised fee through and our childcare is asking for a ‘voluntary payment’ of £30 on each of the three ‘free’ days (to cover resources, outings and activities etc). The normal day rate is £70.
So it’s not really free at all, it’s more like half price. For 38/52 weeks of the year. So it works out more like 12 hours per week actually free.

Is this normal? Are other people charged in the same way?

Thanks in advance.

Thanks for the suggestions and shared frustration! Agree with everyone on here.

Unfortunately there aren’t any state run or many school attached nurseries near us. Those that do have them typically do 9-12 OR 12-15 and I work a 40 hour week 🤯

Does sound like our £30/free day is on the high side but I will focus on the positives that at least it’s a lovely setting and staff worth paying for!