Childcare costs and contracts

Some childcare providers may charge additional fees, including meals, trips and deposits. It’s important to ask about any extra costs before you sign a contract.

Using your early education funding

All parents claiming the early education funding will be asked by their provider to complete and return a ‘Parental declaration form’. These forms need to be reviewed and signed by parents each term. If parents don’t complete and return these forms by the dates required, then payments to providers will be delayed.

You can also use this form to get extra funding for your early years provider if your child is eligible for early years pupil premium or the disability access fund.

Your childcare provider will ask you to sign a contract when your child takes up a place.

Funded hours are free. If your child is using the 15 or 30 funded hours, there’s no mandatory fees.

• Meals, snacks and nappies may be charged separately – ask if these are optional.
• Most trips and outings will be low cost or free, such as trips to the local park, beach or library. However, there may be additional fees for a special trip, such as visiting a zoo or farm. Your provider should give you plenty of notice or let you decide of your child takes part.

If you have any questions about additional fees, speak to your childcare provider.  For any other queries, email us at eydelivery@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Check how much notice you need to give if you want to leave your childcare provide in the future. This should be written in the contract and admissions policy. Most providers require four weeks notice to leave.

For funded places, you cannot move your child to another funded place until the notice period ends. If you do, you may have to repay the funding.

The notice period also applies to additional hours that you pay for. Your deposit will be returned if you follow the notice period rules.

Depending on your income and family situation, you could be eligible for additional help with childcare costs.