Government underfunding

Government consistently fails to keep up with rising costs of wages, services, electricity and insurance. Our sector has absorbed this as much as possible over the years. Teatimers shares its overheads with our out of schools clubs however, we are no longer able to absorb this consistent devaluation of young children given the financial impact of Coronavirus.

Between 2017 and 2021,

• The national minimum wage increased by 18.8% and pensions added a further 3% to wage bills.
• Electricity prices increased by 19%
• Government funding only increased by 3%.

See this link for more information about the shortfall in funding and how long the government has been aware of the issue.

Delivering a proper education despite funding levels

Early years providers are not allowed to charge top-up fees for funded sessions. However, we are allowed to charge for consumables and extras as long as they are truly optional and there is a clear opt-out available.  The quote below is taken from the official government guidance documentation:

“Government funding is intended to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of free, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the costs of meals, other consumables, additional hours or additional activities. Parents can therefore expect to pay for any meals offered by the provider alongside their free entitlement. Parents can also expect to pay for other consumables or additional activities offered by the provider…”

We have always made a charge for playball and dance to cover the cost of the external instructors.  Many families choose these sessions because of these extras, but the choice to opt-out is there and some families do choose to do so.

From September 2021 we are introducing a cost for consumables and snacks. The government does not require its funding to cover all consumables and the regulations allow providers to ask Parents to contribute to them.  This is much more commonly done in nurseries but is becoming more normal in preschools. Parents are able to opt-out of the consumables and snacks contribution and we will provide a credible alternative.

With the money we save on consumables, we can invest more in staff and training to deliver better outcomes for our children.

What are consumables?

Consumables include but are not limited to: all craft supplies, including paint, glue, paper, embellishments, messy play resources, disposable gloves, tissues and toilet paper, hand cleaner, antibacterial gel, washing up liquid, washing powder, sterilising liquid, hoover bags, first Aid Supplies, snacks and drinks etc. It also contributes towards the services we have to buy in; management software (including ParentZone), book keeping, accountancy and HR support.

What happens if I want to opt-out of these charges?

You are perfectly within your rights to opt-out of our external sessions or the consumables and snacks contribution.

External instructors (playball and dance)

• If you choose to opt-out because your child isn’t really ready for it yet, but will be in time then they won’t go and you won’t be charged
• If you choose to opt-out because you don’t want your child to do the session, that is fine and you will not be charged.  If another family wants their child to benefit from the external instructor, we may alter your regular sessions in order to allow their child that opportunity.

Consumables and snacks contribution

You have the right to opt-out of the Consumables and snacks contribution. If you choose to do so, we will respect your wishes and work with you to deliver your child a great education with fewer resources. This may involve your providing some of your own resources and adjusting your sessions.

Early years Pupil premium

Please note that any family eligible for Early years pupil Premium may be exempted anyway.