Here you’ll find information on sessions, fees, funding, policies, how we’re run, the typical nursery day and FAQs. Please click the box to expand and read more.
Sessions and fees
Holwell Nursery is a charity and we work hard to provide a competitive offering.
We cater for children from 3 months to 5 years on term-time only or year-round contracts. Our sessions run 08.00–17.30 Monday–Friday. We are closed for two weeks at Christmas, and on public holidays.
We also offer morning-only sessions. Fees are invoiced monthly and payable in advance. A late payment charge is levied for invoices paid after the 14th of the month.
New starters
The new child registration fee of £60 is retained by the nursery, and we reserve the right to take a £100 deposit for places not being taken up within four weeks. This deposit is refunded when your child starts and will be deducted from your first invoice.
Funding
We are pleased to accept 15 and 30 hour government funding.
If eligible, you may access…
15 hours nine month and two-year-old funding (on provision of an eligibility code)
15 hours three- and four-year-old funding
30 hours funding (on provision of an eligibility code)
Help with fees
We are proud to be a part of the government’s Tax-Free Childcare scheme. To find out if you’re eligible for 15-hour or 30-hour funding, visit www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/
Holwell Nursery is a registered charity (number 1081086) and is managed by a voluntary committee made up of parents and non-parents with a range of experience that they bring to help support nursery, including early years specialists.
Our committee members meet each half term and we’re always keen to welcome more parents/carers to the team to benefit the Nursery. If you want to find out more, please get in touch.
What’s included in the fees?
Fees are inclusive (where relevant) of a healthy morning and afternoon snack with milk (lactose-free available on request), or water if you prefer. Families that access government funding will be required to pay a daily consumables charge. You are expected to provide a healthy packed lunch and tea if your child is in attendance at mealtimes. You are also responsible for providing nappies, wipes and any other consumables such as cream, as well as formula milk and bottles, which staff will make up as needed.
Can I drop off/pick-up early?
A charge of £10 will be added to your account for late pick-up, then £5 per 15 minutes thereafter. We are unable to accept children into the building before the start of your booked session.
Can I change my sessions or book additional ones?
We require 6 weeks’ notice to change your child’s booked sessions and can only facilitate changes where we have capacity in the room. Please get in touch with us as early as possible if you wish to increase or alter your child’s sessions.
Where we have capacity we are happy to offer extra sessions – these will be added to your bill.
Do I need to pay for sessions when I’m on holiday?
For children on a year-round contract we are pleased to offer up to two weeks per academic year free of charge when your child is on holiday. You must notify us at least one month in advance of your child’s expected absence and your bill for the relevant period will be adjusted.
My child is ill and cannot attend – will I be refunded for missed sessions?
We are unable to offer refunds or alternative sessions to replace those missed through illness. While we appreciate it is frustrating to pay for sessions you are unable to take advantage of, our overheads do not reduce when a child is unwell, and therefore the fees are still levied.
What are the exclusion periods for illness?
With all illness, children should stay at home while they are unwell. This is to reduce the spread of illness between children and staff, and also because nursery is a busy, exciting environment not suited to an unwell or recovering child.
Sickness and diarrhoea – 48 hours from the last bout of illness
Chicken pox – 5 days from the onset of the rash, or after all spots have crusted over
Conjunctivitis – no exclusion if medication has been provided by GP
Medication – if well, child can return 48 hours after their first dose
Are you able to administer medication?
We are able to administer prescription medication in certain situations. Contact the office to discuss your particular situation and we will be pleased to advise you.
What does my child need in their nursery bag?
Water bottle filled with only water
Sun hat and sun cream
At least 2 full changes of clothes
Jumper
Wellies
Waterproof all-in-one or coat and trousers
(please ensure all items are clearly labelled)
Holwell is regularly inspected by OFSTED, our last OFSTED inspection was in September 2024.