Fees & Funding
Understanding our fees, payment options, and help with childcare costs.
Fees & Payments
Everything you need to know about payments
How are fees calculated?
Fees are calculated on a monthly basis and are paid 1 month in advance. We calculate the amount payable by you each month based on the number of sessions booked in during the previous month.
When will I get an invoice?
Invoices are generated and sent via Famly on the 15th of every month – if this falls on a weekend, the invoice will be sent the Friday before.
When do I need to pay by?
Payment in full will need to be paid and cleared by the 28th of every month.
What if I need an extra session?
If you need an extra session – just check with the settings manager the session is available and your child will be added to the register. Extra sessions are to be paid in full before your child attends them, failure to pay for the additional session in full will result in the session being terminated and your child will be unable to attend.
How can I pay?
You can pay via:
- Recurring bank payment option on Famly – only recommended if sessions are the same every month
- BACS
- Tax Free Childcare
- Child Care Grant Payments
- Universal Credit Childcare Payments
What happens if I cannot pay the full amount or on time?
We understand that families may come into difficulties regarding their financial circumstances – if this happens or you know you will not be able to pay on time or in full – please speak to the settings manager in the first instance. The resolution will be handled on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Finance Department within All Stars.
Are there any other fees or charges I may be liable for?
Yes, there are additional charges that will incur for:
- Late Payment of Fee’s: Charged at £10 per day, up to the day that the balance is cleared. This is automatically charged via Famly.
- Late collection of children: Late collection of children is charged at £1 per minute.
- Failure to Notify Fee: If a child in Out of School Club does not need collecting from school where it has been prior arranged and you do not notify us before the practitioner has set off for the child – this will incur a £20 Failure to Notify Fee.
- Where you have opted – out of optional packages during your child’s funded sessions and you do not supply what has been agreed – the standard rates of the packages will automatically be applied.
What if we want to leave the setting or de-crease sessions?
1 Months’ notice needs to be given to decrease sessions or terminate your child’s place. Incorrect notice will be charged at the standard fee rate.
What if we want to go on Holiday?
If you are planning a well-deserved Holiday, notify the Settings Manager in writing a minimum of 1 month in advance. A 50% discount will be applied for the duration of the holiday dates agreed. One 2 week or 2 x 1 week slots per year are available for 50% discount.
What about Bank Holidays?
Bank Holidays are charged at the standard fee rates.
What if the setting has to close unexpectedly?
If we have to close or we make the decision to close due to events or circumstances beyond our control (e.g. adverse weather conditions or building repairs) the session(s) fee will still be payable in full and we shall be under no obligation to provide alternative childcare arrangements. If the closure exceeds 3 consecutive days in duration (excluding any days when we would otherwise have been closed) you will not incur any charges after 3 consecutive days.
What if we arrive late for a funded only session?
If you arrive late for a funded only session, this time will not be added onto the end of the session as this will affect ratios.
What if we arrive early for a funded only session?
If you arrive early, your child will not be able to start any earlier as this will affect ratios.
What if my child is ill or absent?
Fees will still be charged at the standard rate if children are ill or absent and another session will not be allocated or refunded in lieu of the absence or illness. This applies to both government funded and privately funded places.
What are the Optional Packages?
Optional Packages are for Government Funded Only sessions (Not inclusive of 15 Hours entitlement for disadvantaged 2 year olds). These optional packages are:
- Food Package
- Intimate Care Package
All Terms & Conditions are outlined in the Parents Agreement Contract that is to be signed upon registration.
Help with Costs
What is it?
Tax free childcare is a government scheme designed to help families with the cost of childcare. For every £8 you pay into your online childcare account, the government will add an extra £2 – up to £2,000 per child, per year (or £4,000 for a child with disabilities). So, the government contributes 20% towards fees and you pay 80%.
Who can use it?
Most working families can apply, as long as:
- Both parents (or single parent household) are working
- Each parent earns at least the equivalent of 16 hours a week at minimum wage
- Neither parent earns more that £100,000 per year
- Your childcare provider is registered with HMRC
How do I apply?
You can apply online via the gov.uk website. Once approved, you’ll receive a Tax-Free Childcare account.
What is it?
The Childcare Grant (CCG) is a UK government scheme for full-time students with children, which helps to cover up to 85% of costs through the Childcare Grant Payment Service (CCGPS), paid directly to registered providers.
Who can use it?
- Full-time undergraduate or ITT/PGCE students.
- Have dependent children under 15 (or under 17 with special needs).
- Receive student finance based on household income.
- Not claiming other childcare help.
How it Works (Payment Process)
- Apply as part of your main student finance application.
- Provide necessary evidence.
- Set up your account with CCGPS.
- Link your child and approved childcare provider online.
- Approve weekly invoices.
- Funds go directly from CCGPS to the provider.
What is it?
Universal Credit (UC) helps working parents by reimbursing up to 85% of eligible childcare costs, paid monthly after you have paid the provider.
Who can use it?
- You (and your partner) must be in work or starting work.
- Childcare must be with a registered provider.
How it Works
- Pay your registered childcare provider upfront.
- Report costs in your Universal Credit online account.
- Get reimbursed up to 85% of costs in your next UC payment.
Note: You must report your costs in the correct assessment period to receive payment.
If you need help or support applying for any of the above, please reach out to the Settings Manager who can assist you.