Payment of Fees Policy

All fees for childcare are due in advance.  A deposit of one week/month’s fees is required together with a week/month’s fee before childcare can commence. 

A minimum of 4 weeks notice in writing will be given for any proposed changes to fees.

If your child is absent charges will still apply, however, in special/exceptional circumstances you may request a meeting with the manager to discuss your child’s absence. 

If you cannot pay your fees on time it is important that you contact the office on 01698 477498/476586 immediately to let us know.  Where possible, we may be able to agree a short term payment plan to enable you to keep your child’s place. 

You will be issued with a monthly statement detailing your fees to enable you to manage your account.

Out of School Care Fees:

Term time fees are charged for the whole school term.  Public holidays and closure dates will not be charged. 

Charges for holiday periods:

Holidays should be booked 4 weeks in advance.  There will be no refund for periods booked but not used. 

Nursery Fees:

Nursery fees will be calculated over the year.  Public holidays and nursery closure dates will not be charged. 

Charges for holiday periods:

Children who have a funded early learning and childcare place are required to book sessions for all non-funded days 4 weeks in advance.  There will be no refund for sessions booked but not used. 

Children who do not have a funded early learning and childcare place are contracted for the full year.

Methods of Payment:

Tax Free Childcare:  We accept payment via the Tax Free Childcare government scheme. We are registered under the Burnbank service postcode ML3 0NS. If you require further information on this please contact the office. 

Standing Order:  This is the preferred method of payment.  Payments should be made weekly/monthly in advance. 

Childcare Vouchers:  We accept all childcare vouchers.  You should contact your employer to enquire about these. 

Additional Costs:

Overdue fees:   All overdue fees will incur an additional £25 charge.  This will be added to your account as soon as the fees become overdue.  If your account is not brought up to date within a week your childcare may be terminated.

Late collection of your child:  This will be charged at £11.00 per half hour.

Emergency cover:  If you require additional cover this will be subject to availability and paid for in advance at the amount agreed by the service manager. 

Over-payments:

If you have overpaid childcare fees they will be returned to you by cheque when your child leaves.  No refund will be given if your child is still attending.  Please contact the office to discuss this. 

Tax Credits:

Families who are in receipt of Tax Credits must keep them up to date with any changes to their childcare arrangements.  HMRC regularly contact us for information regarding childcare fees.  We are legally obliged to provide them with accurate information and always do so.

Useful links:

www.citizensadvice.org.uk

www.taxcredits.inlandrevenue.gov.uk

Tax credits Helpline:  0904 169 0072

South Lanarkshire Money Advice Service: 08457 406080

National Debt Helpline:  0808 808 4000