Fees & Funding

Please note the information below is for general guidance. For full and detailed information please refer to the following: https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/ and Funded 2 year olds | Bedford Borough Council

Age 2 – 3 Years

Some families will be eligible for 15 hours of 2-year funding if you are on income support, income related employment support, universal credit or child tax credit and have an income of below the threshold. This is not the complete list, please check the Bedford Borough web site for the complete list of who is eligible and how to apply. Parents / carers will need to apply for this funding.

Age 2 – 3 Years (working families)

From April 2024 eligible working families with children ages 2-3 years will qualify for 15 hours, Early Years Funding. From September 2025 this increases to 30 funded hours. This begins the term after the child’s second birthday. Parents / carers will need to apply for this funding and in turn receive an 11-digit code which needs to be given to Sweet Peas.

Age 3 – 4 Years (Universal Funding)

All children aged 3-4 years will receive 15 hours of Early Years Funding. You do not need to apply for this funding. This funding comes into effect the term after your child turns 3 years old.

Age 3 – 4 Years (Extended Funding)

Eligible working families can apply for extended funding (also referred to as 30 hours funding). This funding comes into effect the term after your child turns 3 years old. Parents / carers will need to apply for this funding and confirm their 11-digit code to Sweet Peas.
 

Applying for funding

It is the responsibility of the parents / carers to apply for funding where required during the term before the funding is to begin. It is also the responsibility of the parents / carers to reconfirm their eligibility every 3 months when prompted. Failure to have a valid funding code will result in your sessions being invoiced in full by Sweet Peas.

Additional sessions

Parents / carers are welcome to book additional sessions beyond their funded hours. These will be charged at our standard session rates.
 

 

Terms & Conditions relating to fees and sessions

Fees and other charges are invoiced at the start of each term. Invoices must be paid within 2 weeks of the invoice date. Failure to make payment could result in losing your place at Sweet Peas.
 

Snack fees and cookery club fees will be operating on an 'opt out' basis. This requires parents / carers to opt out of these fees via email to admin@sweetpeascio.org.

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If you opt out of our snack fees, no snack will be provided by Sweet Peas to that child and parents / carers must provide a healthy snack in line with our "6.5.1 Food & drink policy for packed lunch & snack (from home)" policy. If a snack isn't provided from home, or not in line with our snack policy, Sweet Peas will provide a snack and add the fee onto the next invoice.

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If you opt out of the cookery club fees your child will not be able to participate in our weekly cookery club sessions.

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Late payments incur a £5.00 weekly fee. £5.00 will be added to your invoice for each week the fees are late.
 

A written reminder will be issued if fees remain outstanding after the due date. If payment is still not received within 7 days and no payment plan has been agreed, Sweet Peas reserves the right to reallocate the child's place or reduce their hours to government funded hours only.

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If after a further written request, no payment is received, and a payment plan has not been agreed Sweet Peas may take further action via the small claims court

A 4 week notice period must be given to change your child’s sessions or withdraw them from Sweet Peas. Failure to give sufficient notice will result in an invoice for the normal fees and charges payable for the notice period. This includes those who usually receive funded hours for their sessions.
 

Fees for confirmed sessions are fixed and payable whether your child attends them or not. Days off due to illness and holiday must be paid for in full as a place has been reserved for your child.
 

Hot lunches must be pre-booked for the half term ahead and paid for within two weeks of the invoice date. Failure to do so will result in your order being cancelled.
 

Adjustments to your invoice such as additional hours, late fees, credits etc will be added to the following half terms invoice.
 

Sweet Peas is open 38 weeks of the year, there are no fees for half terms or bank holidays. If Sweet Peas has to close due to a poling day, there is no fee for this day.
 

We make every effort to remain open during term time to offer a full service to our families. However, the management team may have to close the setting in unforeseeable circumstances and reasons beyond our control such as snow, flooding, power-cuts, pandemics or similar. Fees and charges remain payable although refunds may be given at management discretion.
 

Sweet Peas fees are reviewed annually in April every year. In addition, Sweet Peas reserves the right to review fees and charges anytime by giving 4 weeks notice.