Fees & Funding

Transparent Fees. Maximum Funding. No Hidden Costs.

We believe high-quality early years education should be accessible. Here's everything you need to know about our fees, funded hours, and what's included.

Government Funding

Make the Most of Your Funded Hours

The Dream Nest accepts all government-funded childcare entitlements,
helping families access high-quality early education at reduced or no cost.

15

Free Hours — All 3 & 4 Year Olds

All 3 and 4 year olds in England are entitled to 15 hours of free childcare per week, 38 weeks per year.

 

– Available at all three Dream Nest settings

– No eligibility criteria — universal entitlement

– Can be spread across the week flexibly

– Applies from the term after your child’s 3rd birthday

30

Free Hours — Working Families

Eligible working families with 3 & 4 year olds can access 30 hours of free childcare per week — doubling the universal entitlement.

 

– For families where both parents earn above minimum wage

– Apply via the gov.uk Childcare Choices portal

– Requires a valid eligibility code before your place starts

– Reviewed every 3 months — keep your code updated

Our Commitment to Safeguarding

 Also available: 15 hours free childcare for eligible 2 year olds, and from September 2024 the government is expanding funded hours to children aged 9 months and over for working families. Ask us about the latest entitlements at your visit.

Government Funding

Make the Most of Your Funded Hours

The Dream Nest accepts all government-funded childcare entitlements,
helping families access high-quality early education at reduced or no cost.

Session Type

Hours

Sipson

Longford

Oaksland

Full Day

8:00am – 6:00pm (10hrs)

Please enquire

Please enquire

Please enquire

Morning Session

8:00am – 1:00pm (5hrs)

Please enquire

Please enquire

Please enquire

Afternoon Session

1:00pm – 6:00pm (5hrs)

Please enquire

Please enquire

Please enquire

15-Hr Funded (3-4yrs)

15 hrs/wk free

✓ Accepted

✓ Accepted

✓ Accepted

30-Hr Funded (3-4yrs)

30 hrs/wk free

✓ Accepted

✓ Accepted

✓ Accepted

Registration Fee

Currently free

Currently free

Currently free

Current hourly rates are provided at enquiry. Fees are reviewed annually. Last reviewed April 2025.

Refer a Friend — Earn £150 Off Your Fees

Know a family who would love The Dream Nest? When you refer a new family who enrols and stays for 3 months, both you and the new family receive £150 off your fees. It’s our way of thanking you for being part of our community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Fees Questions Answered

How do I apply for 30 hours funded childcare?

Apply via the government’s Childcare Choices website at childcarechoices.gov.uk. You’ll need a National Insurance number and details of your employment. Once approved, you’ll receive an eligibility code to share with us before your child’s place starts.

When does funded childcare start for my child?

Funded hours begin from the term after your child’s 3rd birthday (or 2nd birthday for eligible 2-year-olds). Terms run from September, January, and April. So a child turning 3 in December would begin funded hours in January.

Is there a registration or joining fee?

No — we currently have no registration fee. A deposit is required to secure your child’s place, which is offset against future fees once your child has been with us for a period.

What is included in the fees?

All meals, snacks, nappies (for babies), and core learning resources are included. We communicate clearly about any optional extras such as trips or special activities before any cost is incurred.

Can I use my Tax-Free Childcare account?

Yes — we accept Tax-Free Childcare payments. For every £8 you pay into your account, the government adds £2, up to £500 per quarter (£2,000 per year). This can be used alongside funded hours.

What if my child has an allergy or specific dietary requirement?

All dietary requirements, allergies, and medical needs are documented before your child starts and accommodated fully within our kitchen and meal preparation. We take this extremely seriously and review it regularly.

Ready to Secure Your Child's Place?

Book a free visit to your nearest Dream Nest setting and speak directly with the manager about availability, fees, and funded hours.