There is no extra charge simply because the funding rate differs from the private hourly rate.
Little Lemon’sCHILDMINDINGFees and funded childcare
Funding made
clear and simple.
Funded hours are flexible within your agreed childcare pattern, free at the point of delivery and shown clearly on your monthly invoice.
The important points
Funded means funded.
Funded hours are not tied to a compulsory charge for meals, nappies or other consumables.
You do not have to purchase additional private hours to access an agreed funded place.
Funded hours may be used at agreed times between 8:30am and 6:00pm, subject to availability.
Who may be eligible?
Three funding routes.
Eligibility is decided under national and Hertfordshire rules. A place and attendance pattern must also be available and agreed with Little Lemon’s.
Working-parent entitlement
Eligible working families may receive up to 30 funded hours a week for 38 weeks.
Two-year-old support
Eligible families receiving specified support may receive 15 funded hours a week for 38 weeks.
Universal entitlement
Eligible children receive 15 funded hours a week for 38 weeks from the relevant term.
How it works
From code to confirmed place.
- 1Check and apply
Check eligibility through Childcare Choices and apply by the deadline for the term you need.
- 2Share your details
Give me the valid code, your child’s details and the hours used with any other provider.
- 3Agree the pattern
We agree regular days and times, subject to availability, ratios and your child’s needs.
- 4Receive confirmation
Funding is confirmed in writing once the code and claim have been validated.
Term-time funding
38 weeks—not stretched.
Funding is used during the agreed funded weeks. During non-funded school-holiday weeks, any booked childcare is private at £7 per hour.
What families provide
Everyday essentials.
Parents normally provide packed lunches or main meals, formula or specialist milk, nappies, wipes and suitable spare clothing. Little Lemon’s provides breakfast for early arrivals, healthy snacks and water.
A simple calculation
Booked hours minus funded hours.
Booked childcare hours−Funded hours available that week=Private hours at £7
Funded hours appear on your itemised invoice at £0.00. Fees are calculated weekly and invoiced monthly in advance.Parent information
Your packs, ready when you need them.
The Fees & Funding Pack includes funded dates, example combinations, private fee examples and a personal calculation sheet. You can also open a replacement copy of the full Parent Handbook.