If you're using the government's 30-hour childcare funding, you might be wondering exactly what your nursery or childminder can still charge you for. With some providers adding unexpected fees that eat into your household budget, new guidance aims to make it crystal clear what's allowed – and what isn't.
The most important rule is straightforward: your childcare provider cannot charge you anything extra for those funded hours themselves. That means no "top-up" fees, no inflated hourly rates, and no sneaky mandatory charges disguised as something else. Those 30 hours are meant to be genuinely free, and providers who try to get around this are now facing much closer scrutiny.
However, your provider can still charge you for certain everyday items that your child actually uses. This includes nappies, sun cream, wipes, and any meals or snacks they provide. The key word here is "reasonable" – these charges should reflect what the items actually cost, not pad out the nursery's profits. Always ask to see a breakdown if you're unsure.
Optional extras are also fair game, but they must genuinely be optional. Think school trips, special music or dance classes, or extra hours beyond your funded allocation. Crucially, saying no to these extras shouldn't affect your child's access to their funded place. If you feel pressured to pay for "optional" services, that's a red flag worth challenging.
This guidance matters more than ever as the government expands childcare support to include most working parents with children from nine months old. With so many families depending on these funded hours to make work financially viable, transparent and fair charging is essential. If you're unsure about any charges you're facing, don't hesitate to question your provider or contact your local authority for support.