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 The Dream Nest settings
– No eligibility criteria — universal entitlement
– Delivered across our set nursery hours (this entitlement doesn’t flex to your own schedule)
– We handle the application for you, there’s no need to register or apply via the government website
– Applies from the term after your child’s 3rd birthday
30
Free Hours — Working Families
Eligible working families can access 30 hours of free childcare per week from the term after their child turns 9 months old, doubling the universal entitlement.
– Funding begins once your child reaches 9 months of age (no longer restricted to 3 & 4 year olds)
– 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 the government’s expanded 30-hour entitlement now covers working families with children from 9 months old. 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 | Oaklands |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Day | 7:15am – 6:00pm (10hrs) | 7:15am - 6:30pm | 7:15am - 6:30pm | 7:30am - 6:00pm |
| Morning Session | 7:30am – 1:00pm (5hrs) | — | — | 7:30am - 1:00pm |
| Afternoon Session | 1:00pm – 6:00pm (5hrs) | — | — | 1:00pm - 6:00pm |
| 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
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). For eligible working families claiming the 30 hours entitlement, funding can begin from the term after your child turns 9 months old. Terms run from September, January, and April. So a child turning 3 in December would begin funded hours in January.
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?
We do not take a deposit to secure your child’s place. For parents paying for additional hours beyond their funded entitlement, we ask for a one-off £95 registration fee.
What is included in the fees?
All core learning resources are included in your fees. Food provided during sessions is covered by a separate consumables fee — £10 per funded full day, or £6.80 per school day / AM or PM session, which reflects the true cost of the meals and snacks we provide, since this isn’t covered by government funding. Parents are always welcome to provide their own snacks and meals instead (see our Food Policy for details), and no child will ever be excluded from their funded place if a parent chooses not to pay for meals. We also 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.