Common use of Charging Clause in Contracts

Charging. 12.1 Government funding is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of free, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours or additional services. 12.2 Providers can charge for meals and snacks as part of a free entitlement place and they can also charge for consumables such as nappies or sun cream and for services such as trips and yoga. These charges must be voluntary for the parent. Where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers who choose to offer the free entitlements are responsible for setting their own policy on how to respond, with options including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers should be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 Providers should deliver the free entitlements consistently so that all children accessing any of the free entitlements will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals or consumables. 12.4 Together for Children will not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free place. The provider should be completely transparent about any additional charges. 12.5 Providers should publish their admissions criteria and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free provision. Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, the pattern of hours is convenient for parents’ working hours. 12.6 Providers can charge parents a deposit to secure their child’s funded place but should refund the deposit in full to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings should refund the deposit only after the census has taken place in which the child has been included and funding has been paid to the setting. If a parent withdraws the child prior to the census the deposit will not be refunded. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a deposit. 12.7 Providers cannot charge parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority to deliver free places) or require parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free place. 12.8 Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 Providers should ensure their invoices and receipts are clear, transparent and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement completely free of charge and understand fees paid for additional hours and services. The provider will also ensure that receipts contain the provider’s full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific provider.

Charging. 12.1 Government funding is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of freefunded, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours or additional services. 12.2 Providers The Provider can charge for meals and snacks as part of a free entitlement FE place and they can also charge for consumables such as nappies or sun cream and for services such as trips and yogamusical tuition. These Parents should therefore expect to pay for these, although these charges must be voluntary for the parent. Where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers Providers who choose to offer the free entitlements FE are responsible for setting their own policy on how to respond, with and options including may include waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers should be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 Providers The Provider should deliver the free entitlements FE consistently so that all children accessing any of the free entitlements FE will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals or consumables. 12.4 Together for Children will The Local Authority should not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free funded place. The provider Provider should be completely transparent about any additional charges. 12.5 Providers The Provider should publish their admissions criteria and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free funded provision. Not all providers Providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers Providers should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, possible the pattern patterns of hours is are convenient for parents’ working hours. 12.6 Providers The Provider can charge parents a deposit to secure their child’s funded place but should refund the deposit in full to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings should refund the deposit only after the census has taken place in which the child has been included and funding has been paid to the setting. If a parent withdraws the child prior to the census the deposit will not be refunded. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a deposit. 12.7 Providers The Provider cannot charge parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a providerProvider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority Local Authority to deliver free funded places) or require parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free funded place. 12.8 Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 Providers The Provider should ensure their invoices and receipts are clear, transparent and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement FE completely free of charge and understand fees paid for additional hours and serviceshours. The provider Provider will also ensure that receipts contain the provider’s their full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific providerProvider.

Charging. 12.1 The Provider shall: 10.1 Government funding is intended to cover the cost made available to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of free, high quality, flexible childcarechildcare free to parents / carers. It is The funding cannot intended be used to cover the cost costs of meals, other consumables, any additional hours or additional services. 12.2 Providers . Parents can charge choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, but you cannot impose restrictions or hamper the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free place. Any charges for meals additional hours, services and snacks consumables should be made clear to the parent as part of a free entitlement place and they can also charge for consumables such as nappies or sun cream and for services such as trips and yogatheir decision to take up the place. These charges must (The Provider acknowledges that it shall be voluntary for the parent. Where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers who choose to offer the free entitlements are responsible for setting their its own policy on how to respond, with including options including waiving waiving, or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers should be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents, where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables). 12.3 Providers should deliver 10.2 Deliver the free entitlements consistently so that all children accessing any of the free entitlements will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals or consumables. 12.4 Together 10.3 Publish its admissions’ criteria and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free provision before parents apply and accept a place. (It is acknowledged that not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible the pattern of hours are convenient for Children parents’ working hours). 10.4 If charging parents a deposit to secure their child’s free place, refund the deposit in full to parents by the claim date in the term in which the place is taken up. (The Provider’s attention is drawn to the fact that the practice of charging deposits for funded 2-year-old places is discouraged). 10.5 Not charge parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a Provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the Council to deliver free places). Providers must not treat the funding as a discount on invoices or require parents to pay a registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free place. 10.6 Ensure their invoices and receipts are clear, transparent and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement completely free of charge. Funded hours should be taken off the total hours before calculating the cost of additional hours. The invoice should be clear for parents to understand fees paid for any additional hours. The provider will not also ensure that receipts contain their full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific provider. 10.7 Not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free place. (The provider should must be completely transparent about any additional charges). 12.5 Providers should publish their admissions criteria and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free provision. Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, the pattern of hours is convenient for parents’ working hours. 12.6 Providers can charge parents a deposit to secure their child’s funded place but should refund the deposit in full to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings should refund the deposit only after the census has taken place in which the child has been included and funding has been paid to the setting. If a parent withdraws the child prior to the census the deposit will not be refunded. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a deposit. 12.7 Providers cannot charge parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority to deliver free places) or require parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free place. 12.8 Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 Providers should ensure their invoices and receipts are clear, transparent and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement completely free of charge and understand fees paid for additional hours and services. The provider will also ensure that receipts contain the provider’s full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific provider.

Charging. 12.1 11.1. Funded early education is part time place for each eligible child and must be completely free at the point of delivery. 11.2. Government funding is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of free, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours or additional services. 12.2 Providers 11.3. The provider can charge for meals and snacks as part of a free funded entitlement place and they can also charge for consumables such as nappies or sun cream and for services such as trips and yoga. These charges must be voluntary for the parent. Where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers who choose to offer the free funded entitlements are responsible for setting their own policy on how to respond, with options including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers should be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 Providers 11.4. The provider should deliver the free funded entitlements consistently so that all children accessing any of the free funded entitlements will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals or consumables. 12.4 Together for Children will 11.5. The LA should not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free funded place. The provider should be completely transparent about any additional chargescharges and it is strongly recommended that providers require the parent/carer to sign and agree these at the point of entry. 12.5 Providers should 11.6. The provider must publish their admissions policy and criteria and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free funded provision. Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, possible the pattern of hours is are convenient for parents’ working hours. 12.6 Providers 11.7. The provider can charge parents a deposit to secure their child’s funded place but should refund the deposit in full to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings should refund the deposit only after the census has taken place in which the child has been included and funding has been paid to the setting. If a parent withdraws the child prior to the census the deposit will not be refunded. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a deposit. 12.7 Providers 11.8. The provider cannot charge parents “top-up” fees (simply the difference between a provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority LA to deliver free funded places) or require parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free funded place. 12.8 Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 Providers should 11.9. The provider must ensure their invoices and receipts are clear, transparent and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement completely free of charge and understand fees paid for additional hours and serviceshours, services or consumables. The provider will also ensure that receipts contain the provider’s their full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific provider.

Charging. ‌ 12.1 Government funding is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of free, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours or additional services. 12.2 Providers can charge for meals and snacks as part of a free entitlement an EYFE place and they can also charge for consumables such as nappies or sun cream and for services such as trips and yoga. These charges must be voluntary for the parent. Where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers who choose to offer the free entitlements EYFE are responsible for setting their own policy on how to respond, with options including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers should be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 Providers should deliver the free entitlements EYFE consistently so that all children accessing any of the free entitlements will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional additional hours, services, meals or consumables. Parents should not have to reserve a place each term. 12.4 Together for Children BHCC will not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free placeEYFE. The provider Providers should be completely transparent about any additional charges. 12.5 Providers should publish their admissions criteria and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free provision. Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, the pattern of hours is convenient for parents’ working hours. 12.6 Providers can charge parents a deposit to secure their child’s funded place EYFE but should refund the deposit in full to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings should refund the deposit only after the census has taken place in which scale following the child has been included and funding has been paid to starting at the setting. If a parent withdraws the child prior Provider should make arrangements regarding deposits clear to the census the deposit will not be refunded. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a depositparents. 12.7 12.6 Providers cannot charge parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority BHCC to deliver free placesEYFE) or require parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free placeEYFE. 12.8 Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 12.7 Providers should ensure their invoices and receipts are clear, transparent and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement EYFE completely free of charge and understand fees paid for additional hours and hours, services, meals or consumables. The provider will Providers should also ensure that invoices and receipts contain the provider’s their full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific provider.

Charging. 12.1 14.1 Government funding is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of free, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours or additional services. 12.2 Providers 14.2 The Provider can charge for meals and snacks as part of a free entitlement place and they can also charge for consumables such as nappies or sun cream and for services such as trips and yoga. These charges must be voluntary for the parent. Where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers Providers who choose to offer the free entitlements are responsible for setting their own policy on how to respond, with options including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers should be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 Providers 14.3 The Provider should deliver the free entitlements consistently so that all children accessing any of the free entitlements will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals or consumables. 12.4 Together for Children will 14.4 The Council should not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free place. The provider Provider should be completely transparent about any additional charges. 12.5 Providers 14.5 The Provider should publish their admissions criteria and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free provision. Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, the pattern patterns of hours is are convenient for parents’ working hours. 12.6 Providers 14.6 The Provider can charge parents a deposit to secure their child’s funded free place but should refund the deposit however, this must be refunded in full to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings should refund the deposit only after the census has taken place in which four weeks of the child has been included and funding has been paid to starting at the settingprovision. If a parent withdraws the child prior to the census the The deposit will cannot be refunded. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a depositused as part payment towards additional childcare costs. 12.7 Providers 14.7 The Provider cannot charge parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a providerProvider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority Council to deliver free early education and childcare places) ), or require parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free early education and childcare funded place. 12.8 Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 Providers 14.8 The Provider should ensure their invoices and receipts are clear, transparent and itemised, allowing . This will allow parents to see that they have received their free entitlement completely free of charge charge, and understand fees paid for additional hours and serviceshours. The provider Provider will also ensure that receipts contain the provider’s their full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific provider. The Council suggests that all providers should identify their Ofsted registration number and the full name of the child on any invoice to avoid miss-use of the invoice and confusion. 14.9 The Provider should not show the free entitlement as a monetary subsidy on an invoice or receipt but as free at the point of delivery. 14.10 Providers may stipulate a maximum of four weeks’ notice for children accessing early education and childcare offers. The Council takes no responsibility for loss of income to a Provider who has failed to verify whether a parent is in breach of contract before providing a childcare place.

Charging. 12.1 a) Government funding is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 the universal or 30 hours a week of extended entitlement to free, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours or additional services. 12.2 b) Providers can charge for meals and snacks as part of a free entitlement place and they can also charge for consumables such as nappies or sun cream and for services such as trips and yogamusical tuition. These charges must be voluntary for the parent. Where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers who choose to offer the free entitlements are responsible for setting their own policy on how to respond, with options including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers should be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 c) Providers should deliver the free entitlements consistently so that all children accessing any of the free entitlements will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals or consumables. 12.4 Together for Children d) Luton Council will not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free place. The provider Providers should be completely transparent about any additional charges. 12.5 e) Providers should publish their admissions criteria and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free provision. Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, possible the pattern patterns of hours is are convenient for parents’ working hours. 12.6 f) Providers can charge parents a deposit to secure their child’s funded free place but should refund the deposit in full to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings Parents of funded two year olds should refund the deposit only after the census has taken place in which the child has been included and funding has been paid to the setting. If a parent withdraws the child prior to the census the deposit will not be refunded. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge charged a deposit. 12.7 g) Providers cannot charge parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority Luton Council to deliver free places) ), or require parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free place. 12.8 Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 h) Providers should ensure their invoices and receipts are clear, transparent and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement completely free of charge and understand fees paid for additional hours and serviceshours. The provider Providers will also ensure that receipts contain the provider’s their full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific provider. i) Providers should ensure that parents understand that if they choose to send their child to a pre-school whilst waiting to be admitted to a school they will not be eligible for funding. In these circumstances the provider may charge the parent / carer for the hours accessed whilst the child is awaiting a phased intake into the school.

Charging. 12.1 15.1 Government funding is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of free, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours or additional services. 12.2 Providers 15.2 The Provider can charge for meals and snacks as part of a free entitlement place and they can also charge for consumables such as nappies or sun cream and for services such as trips and yoga. These charges must be voluntary for the parent. Where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers who choose to offer the free entitlements are responsible for setting their own policy on how to respond, with options including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers should be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 Providers 15.3 The Provider should deliver the free entitlements consistently so that all children accessing any of the free entitlements will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals or consumables. 12.4 Together for Children will 15.4 The Local Authority should not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free place. The provider Provider should be completely transparent about any additional charges. 12.5 Providers should 15.5 The Provider must publish their admissions criteria and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free provision. Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers the Provider should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, possible the pattern of hours is are convenient for parents’ working hours. 12.6 Providers 15.6 The Provider can charge parents a deposit to secure their child’s funded free place but should refund the deposit in full to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings should refund the deposit only , and no later than 4 weeks after the census has taken place in which the child has been included and funding has been paid to the setting. If a parent withdraws the child prior to the census the deposit will not be refunded. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a deposittaken up their free place. 12.7 Providers 15.7 The Provider cannot charge parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a providerthe Provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority Local Authority to deliver free places) or require parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free place. 12.8 Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 Providers 15.8 The Provider should ensure their invoices and receipts are clear, transparent and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement completely free of charge and understand fees paid for additional hours and serviceshours. The provider Provider will also ensure that receipts contain the provider’s their full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific providerProvider. 15.9 The Provider cannot ask the parent to pay for their child's Early Education place in advance and be refunded at a later date e.g. when the Provider receives the funding for their child's free place from the Local Authority. 15.10 The Provider must ensure that Early Education places are delivered completely free of charge to the parent and other than deposit fees as outlined in clause 15.6 the Provider cannot ask the parent to pay any fee associated with accessing their child's free entitlement (e.g. uniform fee, administration costs associated with stretching or banking free hours, fees for offering the free places flexibly etc).

Charging. 12.1 Government funding is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of free, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours or additional services. 12.2 Providers The provider can charge for meals and snacks as part of a free entitlement place and they can also charge for consumables such as nappies or sun cream and for services such as trips and yoga. These charges must musical tuition. 12.3 Providers should be voluntary for mindful of the parentimpact of additional charges, especially on the most disadvantaged parents. Where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers who choose to offer the free entitlements are responsible for setting their own policy on how to respond, providing parents with options for alternatives to additional charges, including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers should be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 Providers 12.4 The provider should deliver the free entitlements consistently so that all children accessing any of the free entitlements will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals or consumables. 12.4 Together for Children will 12.5 Gloucestershire County Council should not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing provided that this does is not affect a condition of accessing the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free place. entitlement. 12.6 The provider should be completely transparent about any additional charges. 12.5 Providers should publish their admissions criteria and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free provision. Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, possible the pattern patterns of hours is are convenient for parents’ working hours. 12.6 Providers 12.7 The provider can charge parents a refundable deposit to secure their child’s funded place but place. Gloucestershire County Council should refund the deposit work with providers to determine a reasonable timescale for refunding deposits in full to parents. Providers should make it clear to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings should that if they fail to take up their place, the provider is not obliged to refund the deposit only after the census has taken place in which the child has been included and funding has been paid to the setting. If a parent withdraws the child prior to the census the deposit will not be refunded. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a deposit. 12.7 Providers can12.8 Parents must not charge parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority to deliver free places) or require parents be required to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free place. 12.8 Providers should not . It is at the provider's discretion if they want to charge or accept money from parents a registration fee for a child accessing over and above their free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of fundingentitlement. 12.9 Providers The provider cannot charge parents “top-up” fees (any difference between a provider’s normal hour rate and the funding they receive from Gloucestershire County Council to deliver free places) or invoice parents in advance then deduct the funding once it has been received. 12.10 The provider should ensure their invoices and receipts are clear, transparent and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement completely free of charge and understand fees paid for additional hours and serviceshours. The provider will also ensure that receipts contain the provider’s their full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific provider. 12.11 Providers must ensure they have their own debt policy in place to recover fees for non- eligible 2-year-olds and eligibility codes that are not valid in the relevant term.

Charging. 12.1 Government funding is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of free, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours or additional services. 12.2 Providers The provider can charge for meals and snacks as part of a free entitlement place and they can also charge for consumables such as nappies or sun cream and for services such as trips and yoga. These charges must be voluntary for the parent. Where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers who choose to offer the free entitlements are responsible for setting their own policy on how to respond, with options including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers should be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 Providers The provider should deliver the free entitlements consistently so that all children accessing any of the free entitlements will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals or consumables. 12.4 Together for Children will The local authority should not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free place. The provider should be completely transparent about any additional charges. 12.5 Providers The provider should publish their admissions criteria and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free provision. Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, possible the pattern of hours is convenient for parents’ working hours. 12.6 Providers The provider can charge parents a deposit to secure their 3 or 4 year old child’s funded place but place. The deposit should refund the deposit be refunded in full to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings should refund 1 month of the deposit only after the census has taken place in which the child has been included and funding has been paid to the setting. If a parent withdraws the child prior to the census the deposit will not be refunded. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a depositfree entitlement start date. 12.7 Providers The provider cannot charge parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority to deliver free places) or require parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free place. 12.8 Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 Providers The provider should ensure their invoices and receipts are clear, transparent and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement completely free of charge and understand fees paid for additional hours and serviceshours. The provider will also ensure that receipts contain the provider’s their full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific provider.

Charging. 12.1 Government ‌ The government funding is intended to cover the full cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of free, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, other consumables, additional hours hours, or additional services. 12.2 . Providers can charge for meals and snacks as part of a free entitlement an Early Years Entitlement place and they can also charge for consumables such as nappies or sun cream cream, and for additional services such as trips and yogaactivities. These charges must Parents can therefore be voluntary for the parent. Where parents are unable or unwilling expected to pay for meals and consumablesthese, however providers should be mindful of the impact of additional charges on parents, especially the most disadvantaged. Providers, who choose to offer the free entitlements Early Years Entitlements, are responsible for setting their own policy on how to respond, providing parents with options for alternatives to additional charges, including allowing parents to supply their own meals or nappies, or waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own mealssnacks. Providers should be particularly mindful of ensure that parents are aware that the impact of Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP) provides additional charges on funding to providers to support eligible children in early years settings, and that Disability Access Funding (DAF) supports eligible, disabled children’s access to the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 entitlements. Eligibility for EYPP and DAF is being extended to all children accessing the Early Years Entitlements from 1 April 2024. Providers should deliver the free entitlements Early Years Entitlement consistently so that all children accessing any of the free entitlements will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals meals, or consumables. 12.4 Together . Providers should make all their charges clear in a Fee Structure and ensure that parents are aware of any charges for Children additional services before they take up their Early Years Entitlement place. Wiltshire Council will not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s parents’ ability to take up their child’s free Early Years Entitlement place. The provider Providers should be completely transparent about any additional charges. 12.5 charges and make these easily available to parents enabling them to make an informed choice of provider. Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) must be treated fairly and equally with reasonable adjustments made as set out in Sections 20 and 21 of the Equalities Act 2010’. Providers must not charge parents additional fees to support a child with SEND. Providers should publish their admissions criteria ensuring it is clear and ensure parents available to all parents, so they can understand which hours/sessions hours can be taken as free Early Years Entitlement provision. Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, possible the pattern of hours is are convenient for parents’ working hours. 12.6 . Providers can charge a refundable deposit to parents accessing the early years entitlements but should also consider if this would prevent take up, especially for disadvantaged families. The charging of a deposit must not be a barrier to secure a child accessing their Early Years Entitlement hours. The purpose of the deposit is to give providers certainty that a parent will take up the place. Wiltshire Council’s recommendation of a reasonable timeframe within which to refund a deposit is the end of a half term or within six weeks of a child’s funded place but start. Providers should refund the deposit in full make clear to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings should refund the deposit only after the census has taken place any circumstances in which the child has been included and funding has been paid provider would not be obliged to refund the setting. If deposit, e.g., if a parent withdraws the child prior fails to the census the deposit will not be refundedtake up their place without sufficient notice. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a deposit. 12.7 Providers cannot charge parents “‘top-up” ’ fees (the difference between a provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority Wiltshire Council to deliver free Early Years Entitlement places) or require parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free Early Years Entitlement place. 12.8 Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 . Providers should ensure their invoices and receipts are clear, transparent transparent, and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement completely free of charge full Early Years Entitlement and understand fees paid for additional hours and or services. The provider will also ensure that invoices and receipts contain the provider’s their full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific provider. The early years entitlement is an entitlement in hours, not a monetary value to be deducted from a childcare provider’s bill or as a discounted item on an invoice.

Charging. 12.1 Government funding Free early education is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of free, high qualitypart time place for each eligible child and must be completely free at the point of delivery. Providers must not therefore impose conditions on parents to which they must agree to take up to access their free hours (i.e., flexible childcare. It is parents must not intended be obligated to cover purchase additional hours, pay a supplement on the cost of mealsfree hour, consumablespay lunch time charges, additional hours or additional servicespay registration/administration fees to secure their free hours). 12.2 Providers must have a “free offer” which is certain hours per day or a number of places in which parents can opt out of “additional services” and are therefore completely free to parents. The provider should publish in their admissions criteria the details of their “free offer” to ensure parents understand how to apply and which hours/sessions/number of places are available. 12.3 Providers cannot charge parents “top-up” fees which is the difference between a provider’s 12.4 Providers however can charge for “additional services”; these include but are not limited to, meals and snacks as part of a free entitlement place and they can also charge for snacks, consumables such as nappies or sun cream and for services suncream, trips, extra activities such as trips and dance, football training, music lessons, yoga. These charges , which are led by an outside tutor, craft items to take home which have a bought element. 12.5 Providers must be voluntary for the parent. Where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers who choose to offer the free entitlements are responsible for setting their own policy on how to respond, with options including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers should be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 Providers 12.6 The provider should deliver the free entitlements consistently so that all children accessing any of the free entitlements will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals meals, or consumables. Parents should also not have to reserve a place each term. 12.4 Together for Children 12.7 The local authority will not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free place. The provider should be completely transparent about any additional charges. 12.5 Providers should publish their admissions criteria and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free provision. 12.8 Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, possible the pattern of hours is are convenient for parents’ working hours. Providers should publish a statement of how they deliver the free entitlement and any additional charges for optional activities. 12.6 Providers 12.9 The provider can charge parents a deposit to secure their child’s funded free place but should refund the deposit in full to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings should refund the deposit only after the census has taken place in which the child has been included and funding has been paid to the setting. If a parent withdraws the child prior to the census the deposit will not be refunded. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a deposit.refund 12.7 Providers cannot charge parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority to deliver free places) or require parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free place. 12.8 Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 Providers 12.10 The provider should ensure their invoices and receipts are clear, transparent transparent, and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement completely free of charge and understand fees paid for additional hours and serviceshours. The provider will also ensure that receipts contain the provider’s their full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific provider.

Charging. 12.1 Government funding Free early education is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of free, high qualitypart time place for each eligible child and must be completely free at the point of delivery. Providers must not therefore impose conditions on parents to which they must agree to take up to access their free hours (i.e., flexible childcare. It is parents must not intended be obligated to cover purchase additional hours, pay a supplement on the cost of mealsfree hour, consumablespay lunch time charges, additional hours or additional servicespay registration/administration fees to secure their free hours). 12.2 Providers must have a “free offer” which is certain hours per day or a number of places in which parents can opt out of “additional services” and are therefore completely free to parents. The provider should publish in their admissions criteria the details of their “free offer” to ensure parents understand how to apply and which hours/sessions/number of places are available. 12.3 Providers cannot charge parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a provider’s usual 12.4 Providers however can charge for “additional services”; these include but are not limited to, meals and snacks as part of a free entitlement place and they can also charge for snacks, consumables such as nappies or sun cream and for services suncream, trips, extra activities such as trips and dance, football training, music lessons, yoga. These charges , which are led by an outside tutor, craft items to take home which have a bought element. 12.5 Providers must be voluntary for the parent. Where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers who choose to offer the free entitlements are responsible for setting their own policy on how to respond, with options including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers should be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 Providers 12.6 The provider should deliver the free entitlements consistently so that all children accessing any of the free entitlements will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals meals, or consumables. Parents should also not have to reserve a place each term. 12.4 Together for Children 12.7 The local authority will not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free place. The provider should be completely transparent about any additional charges. 12.5 Providers should publish their admissions criteria and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free provision. 12.8 Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, possible the pattern of hours is are convenient for parents’ working hours. Providers should publish a statement of how they deliver the free entitlement and any additional charges for optional activities. 12.6 Providers 12.9 The provider can charge parents a deposit to secure their child’s funded free place but should refund the deposit in full to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings should refund the deposit only after the census has taken place in which the child has been included and funding has been paid to the setting. If a parent withdraws the child prior to the census the deposit will not be refunded. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a deposit.refund 12.7 Providers cannot charge parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority to deliver free places) or require parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free place. 12.8 Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 Providers 12.10 The provider should ensure their invoices and receipts are clear, transparent transparent, and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement completely free of charge and understand fees paid for additional hours and serviceshours. The provider will also ensure that receipts contain the provider’s their full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific provider.

Charging. 12.1 12.1. Government funding is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of freefunded, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours or additional services. 12.2 Providers 12.2. The provider can charge for meals and snacks as part of a free entitlement place Early Years Funding Entitlement for 3 and 4 year olds and they can also charge for consumables such as nappies or sun cream and for services such as trips and yoga. These charges must be voluntary for the parent. Where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers who choose to offer the free funded entitlements are responsible for setting their own policy on how to respond, with options including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers should be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 Providers 12.3. The provider should deliver the free funded entitlements consistently so that all children accessing any of the free funded entitlements will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals or consumables. 12.4 Together for Children 12.4. WBC will not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of or provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free funded place. The provider should be completely transparent about any additional charges. 12.5 Providers 12.5. The provider should publish their admissions criteria and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free funded provision. Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, possible the pattern of hours is are convenient for parents’ working hours. 12.6 Providers 12.6. The provider can charge parents a deposit to secure their child’s funded place 3 and 4 year Early Years Funding Entitlement but should refund the deposit in full to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings should refund the deposit only after the census has taken place in which the child has been included and funding has been paid to the setting. If a parent withdraws the child prior to the census the deposit will not be refunded. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a deposittimescale. 12.7 Providers 12.7. The provider cannot charge parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority to deliver free funded places) or require parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free funded place. 12.8 Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 Providers 12.8. The provider should ensure their invoices invoice and receipts are clear, transparent and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement funded entitlements completely free of charge and understand fees paid for additional hours and serviceshours. The provider will also ensure that receipts contain the provider’s their full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific provider.

Charging. 12.1 11.1 Government funding is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of free, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours or additional services. 12.2 Providers 11.2 The Provider can charge for meals and snacks as part of a free entitlement place and they can also charge for consumables such as nappies or sun cream and for services such as trips and yoga. These charges must be voluntary for the parentmusical tuition. Where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers who choose to offer the free entitlements are responsible for setting their own policy on how to respond, with options including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers should be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 Providers 11.3 The Provider should deliver the free entitlements consistently so that all children accessing any of the free entitlements will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals or consumables. 12.4 Together for Children 11.4 The Council will not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s parents’ ability to take up their child’s free place. The provider Provider should be completely transparent about any additional charges. 12.5 Providers charges and this should publish be clear in their admissions criteria and ensure policies, so that parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as are fully aware of all additional services or hours that the Provider charges for on top of their free provision. Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, the pattern of hours is convenient for parents’ working hoursentitlement. 12.6 Providers can charge parents a deposit to secure their child’s funded place but should refund the deposit in full to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings should refund the deposit only after the census has taken place in which the child has been included and funding has been paid to the setting. If a parent withdraws the child prior to the census the deposit will not be refunded. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a deposit. 12.7 11.5 Providers cannot charge parents “top-‘top up” ’ fees (the difference between a providerthe Provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority Council to deliver the FEEE). Each entitlement delivered by participating providers must be free places) at the point of delivery, but Providers may still charge for additional hours or require services if applicable. The following conditions will apply: • All invoicing/statements must clearly show that the relevant entitlement has been delivered free of charge (such invoices/statements to be provided either monthly or termly); and • The charges made to parents for any additional services or additional hours of childcare over and above the relevant entitlement must be clearly explained and itemised on invoices. • The Council will carry out audits to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition ensure that providers are delivering the relevant entitlements free of taking up their child’s free placecharge. 12.8 Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 Providers 11.6 The Provider should ensure their invoices and receipts are clear, transparent and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement completely free of charge and understand fees paid for additional hours and or services. The provider Provider will also ensure that receipts contain the provider’s their full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific provider. 11.7 Providers will direct parents who want the free entitlement with no additional hours or services to the Council’s FIS (Tel no. 000 0000 0000 / email xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx) who will in turn direct them to accommodating Providers detailed in the Providers Directory.

Charging. 12.1 11.1 The Provider must deliver EYF places completely free of charge to parents. 11.2 It is at the Providers’ discretion how it offers EYF places to children and families in line with their own business model. The Provider must determine and then clearly advertise what times of the day and the days of the week that EYF places can be taken at the provision, in line with the parameters within this Agreement and statutory guidance. 11.3 Government funding is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of free, high quality, quality and flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours or additional services. 12.2 Providers can 11.4 The Provider may charge for meals and snacks as part of a free entitlement place and they can may also charge for consumables such as nappies or sun cream and for services such as trips and yoga. These charges must be voluntary for the parent. Where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers who choose to offer the free entitlements are Provider is responsible for setting their its own policy on how to respond, with options including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers should be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 Providers 11.5 The Provider should deliver the free entitlements consistently so that all children accessing any of the free entitlements will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals or consumables. 12.4 Together for Children 11.6 The Council will not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free place. The provider should Provider must be completely transparent about any additional charges. 12.5 Providers 11.7 The Provider should publish their its admissions criteria and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free provision. Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers the Provider should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, possible the pattern of hours is are convenient for parents’ working hours. 12.6 Providers 11.8 The Provider can charge parents a deposit to secure their child’s funded place but should must refund the deposit in full to parents once their child has taken up their place within a reasonable time scale. Settings should refund Deposits taken in respect of hours subject to a private arrangement between the deposit only after parent and Provider will be refunded at the census has taken place discretion of the Provider and in which accordance with the child has been included terms and funding has been paid to the setting. If a parent withdraws the child prior to the census the deposit will not be refunded. Parents must be informed conditions of this if providers decide to charge a depositthat private arrangement. 12.7 Providers 11.9 The Provider cannot charge parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority Council to deliver free places) or require parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free place. 12.8 Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 Providers 11.10 The Provider should ensure their invoices and receipts are clear, transparent and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement completely free of charge and understand fees paid for additional hours and serviceshours. The provider Provider will also ensure that receipts contain the provider’s their full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific provider.

Charging. 12.1 Government funding is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of free, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours or additional services. 12.2 Providers . The Provider can charge for meals and snacks as part of a free funded entitlement place and they can also charge for consumables such as nappies or sun cream and for services such as trips and yogamusical tuition. These Parents should therefore expect to pay for these, although these charges must be voluntary for the parent. Where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers Providers who choose to offer the free entitlements are responsible for setting their own policy on how to respond, with options including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers should be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 Providers . The Provider should deliver the free funded entitlements consistently so that all children accessing any of the free funded entitlements will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals or consumables. 12.4 Together for Children will . The Local Authority should not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free place. The provider Provider should be completely transparent about any additional charges. 12.5 Providers . The Provider should publish their admissions criteria and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free provision. Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, possible the pattern of hours is that are convenient for parents’ working hours. 12.6 Providers . The Provider can charge parents a deposit to secure their child’s funded free place but should refund the deposit in full to parents parent within a reasonable time scale. Settings should refund the deposit only after the census has taken place in which the child has been included and funding has been paid to the setting. If a parent withdraws the child prior to the census the deposit will not be refunded. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a deposit. 12.7 Providers The Provider cannot charge parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority LA to deliver free places) or require parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free place. 12.8 Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 Providers . The Provider should ensure their invoices and receipts are clear, transparent and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free funded entitlement completely free of charge and understand fees paid for additional hours and serviceshours. The provider Provider will also ensure that receipts contain the provider’s their full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific provider.

Charging. 12.1 10.1 Government funding is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of free, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours or additional services. 12.2 Providers 10.2 The Provider can charge for meals and snacks as part of a free entitlement FEL place and they can also charge for consumables such as nappies or sun cream and for services such as trips and yogamusical tuition. These Parents should therefore expect to pay for these, although these charges must be voluntary for the parent. Where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers Providers who choose to offer the free entitlements FEL are responsible for setting their own policy on how to respond, with options including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers should be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 Providers 10.3 The Provider should deliver the free entitlements FEL consistently so that all children accessing any of the free entitlements FEL will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals or consumables. 12.4 Together for Children will 10.4 The Council should not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free place. The provider Provider should be completely transparent about any additional charges. 12.5 Providers 10.5 The Provider should publish their admissions criteria and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free provision. Not all providers Providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers Providers should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, possible the pattern patterns of hours is are convenient for parents’ working hours. 12.6 Providers 10.6 The Provider can charge parents a deposit to secure their child’s funded free place but should refund the deposit in full to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings should refund the deposit only after the census has taken place in which the child has been included and funding has been paid to the setting. If a parent withdraws the child prior to the census the deposit will not be refunded. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a deposittimescale. 12.7 Providers 10.7 The Provider cannot charge parents “top-up” fees (the any difference between a providerProvider’s usual fee normal charge to parents and the funding they receive from the local authority Council to deliver free places) or require parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free place. 12.8 Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 Providers 10.8 The Provider should ensure their invoices and receipts are clear, transparent and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement FEL completely free of charge and understand fees paid for additional hours and serviceshours. The provider Provider will also ensure that receipts contain the provider’s their full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific providerProvider. 10.9 Further information on Charging is set out in detail in the FEL Code.

Charging. 12.1 14.1 Government funding is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of free, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours or additional services. 12.2 Providers 14.2 The provider can charge for meals and snacks as part of a free entitlement place and they can also charge for consumables such as nappies or sun cream and for services such as trips and yogamusical tuition. These Parents should therefore expect to pay for these, although these charges must be voluntary for the parent. Where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers who choose to offer the free entitlements are responsible for setting their own policy on how to respond, with options including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers should be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 Providers 14.3 The provider should deliver the free entitlements consistently so that all children accessing any of the free entitlements will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals or consumables. 12.4 Together for Children will 14.4 The local authority should not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free place. The provider should be completely transparent about any additional charges. 12.5 Providers 14.5 The provider should publish their admissions criteria and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free provision. Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, possible the pattern of hours is are convenient for parents’ working hours. 12.6 Providers 14.6 The provider can charge parents a deposit to secure their child’s funded free place but should refund the deposit in full to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings should refund the deposit only after the census has taken place in which the child has been included and funding has been paid to the setting. If a parent withdraws the child prior to the census the deposit will not be refunded. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a deposit. 12.7 Providers 14.7 The provider cannot charge parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority to deliver free places) or require parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free place. 12.8 Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 Providers 14.8 The provider should ensure their invoices and receipts are clear, transparent and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement completely free of charge and understand fees paid for additional hours and serviceshours. The provider will also ensure that receipts contain the provider’s their full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific provider.

Charging. 12.1 Government funding is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of freefunded, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours or additional services. 12.2 Providers . The Provider can charge for meals and snacks as part of a free funded entitlement place and they can also charge for consumables such as nappies or sun cream and for services such as trips and yoga. These charges must be voluntary for the parent. Where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers who choose to offer the free funded entitlements are responsible for setting their own policy on how to respond, with options including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers should be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 Providers The Provider should deliver the free funded entitlements consistently so that all children accessing any of the free funded entitlements will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals or consumables. 12.4 Together for Children will . The Local Authority shall not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free funded place. The provider should Provider shall be completely transparent about any additional charges. 12.5 Providers should . The Provider shall publish their admissions criteria and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free funded provision. Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers should the Provider shall work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, possible the pattern of hours is are convenient for parents’ working hours. 12.6 Providers . The Provider can charge parents a deposit to secure their child’s funded place but should shall refund the deposit in full to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings should refund the deposit only scale (which shall be after the census has taken place in which the child has been included as attending the Provider setting and funding has been paid to the settingrecorded in their headcount return). If a parent withdraws the child prior to the census the deposit will not be refunded. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a deposit. 12.7 Providers The Provider cannot charge parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority to deliver free funded places) or require parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free funded place. 12.8 Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 Providers should . The Provider shall ensure their invoices and receipts are clear, transparent and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free funded entitlement completely free of charge and understand fees paid for additional hours and serviceshours. The provider Provider will also ensure that receipts contain the provider’s their full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific provider. The Provider shall not represent the funded entitlement to parents on any invoice as a monetary subsidy or discounted place.

Charging. 12.1 Government The government funding is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of free, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours or additional services. 12.2 . Providers can charge for meals and snacks as part of a free entitlement place place, and they can also charge for consumables such as nappies or sun cream cream, and for additional services such as trips and yogaactivities. These charges must be voluntary for the parentparent and must not be a condition of accessing their free place. Where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers who choose to offer the free entitlements entitlement are responsible for setting their own policy on how to respond, with options including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers should be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 Providers should deliver the free entitlements entitlement consistently so that all children accessing any of the free entitlements will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals or consumables. 12.4 Together . Providers should make their charges clear in a Fee Structure and ensure that parents are aware of any charges for Children additional services before they take up their free place. Wiltshire Council will not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s parents’ ability to take up their child’s free place. The provider Providers should be completely transparent about any additional charges. 12.5 . Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) must be treated fairly and equally with reasonable adjustments made as set out in Sections 20 and 21 of the Equalities Act 2010’. Providers must not charge parents additional fees to support a child with SEND. Providers should publish ensure their admissions criteria is clear and ensure parents available to all parents, so they can understand which hours/sessions hours can be taken as free provision. Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, the pattern of hours is convenient for parents’ working hours. 12.6 Providers can charge parents a deposit to secure their child’s funded free place but should must refund the deposit in full to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings should refund Wiltshire Council deems a reasonable timescale as the end of a half term or within six weeks of a child’s start. However, the charging of a deposit only after the census has taken place in which the child has been included and funding has been paid to the setting. If a parent withdraws the child prior to the census the deposit will must not be refundeda barrier to a child accessing their free entitlement hours. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a deposit. 12.7 Providers cannot charge parents “‘top-up” ’ fees (the difference between a provider’s their usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority Wiltshire Council to deliver free places) ), or require parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free place. 12.8 Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 . Providers should ensure their invoices and receipts are clear, transparent and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement completely free of charge and understand fees paid for additional hours and or services. The provider will also ensure that invoices and receipts contain the provider’s their full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific provider.

Charging. 12.1 Government funding Free early education is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of free, high qualitypart time place for each eligible child and must be completely free at the point of delivery. Providers must not therefore impose conditions on parents to which they must agree to take up their free hours (i.e. parents must not be obligated to purchase additional hours, flexible childcare. It is not intended pay a supplement on the free hour, pay lunch time charges or pay registration/administration fees in order to cover the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours or additional servicessecure their free hours). 12.2 Providers The provider can charge for meals and snacks as part of a free entitlement place and they can also charge for consumables such as nappies or sun cream cream, and for services such as trips and yoga. These charges must be voluntary for the parent. Where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers who choose to offer the free entitlements are responsible for setting their own policy on how to respond, with options including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers should must be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 Providers The provider should deliver the free entitlements consistently so that all children accessing any of the free entitlements will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals or consumables. Parents should also not have to reserve a place each term. 12.4 Together for Children The local authority will not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free place. The provider should must be completely transparent about any additional charges. 12.5 Providers The provider should publish their admissions criteria and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free provision. Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, possible the pattern of hours is are convenient for parents’ working hours. Providers should publish a statement of how they deliver the free entitlement and any additional charges for optional activities. 12.6 Providers The provider can charge parents a deposit to secure their child’s funded free place but should refund the deposit in full to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings should refund the deposit only after the census has taken place in which the child has been included and funding has been paid to the setting. If a parent withdraws the child prior to the census the deposit will not be refunded. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a deposittimescale. 12.7 Providers The provider cannot charge parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority to deliver free places) or require parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free place. 12.8 Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 Providers The provider should ensure their invoices and receipts are clear, transparent and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement completely free of charge and understand fees paid for additional hours and serviceshours. The provider will also ensure that receipts contain the provider’s their full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific provider.

Charging. 12.1 Government funding 14.1 The Grant is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of free, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours or additional services. 12.2 Providers 14.2 The Provider can charge for meals and snacks as part of a free entitlement place and they can also charge for consumables such as nappies or sun cream and for services such as trips and yoga. These charges must be voluntary for the parent. Where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers who choose to offer the free entitlements are responsible for setting their own policy on how to respond, with options including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers should be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 Providers 14.3 The Provider should deliver the free entitlements consistently so that all children accessing any of the free entitlements will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals or consumables. 12.4 Together for Children will 14.4 The Council should not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free place. The provider should be completely transparent about any additional charges. 12.5 Providers 14.5 The Provider should publish their its admissions criteria and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free provision. Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, possible the pattern of hours is are convenient for parents’ working hours. The Providers admissions criteria is attached in Schedule 1. 12.6 Providers 14.6 The Provider can charge parents a deposit to secure their child’s funded free place but should refund the deposit in full to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings should refund the deposit only after the census has taken place in which the child has been included and funding has been paid to the setting. If a parent withdraws the child prior to the census the deposit will not be refunded. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a deposit. 12.7 Providers 14.7 The Provider cannot charge parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a providerthe Provider’s usual fee and the funding Grant they receive from the local authority Council to deliver free places) or require parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free place. 12.8 Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 Providers 14.8 The Provider should ensure their its invoices and receipts are clear, transparent and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement completely free of charge and understand fees paid for additional hours and serviceshours. The provider Provider will also ensure that receipts contain the provider’s their full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific provider.

Charging. 12.1 15.1 Government funding is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of free, Free Entitlement Place that is a high quality, quality and flexible childcareprovision. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours or additional services. 12.2 Providers 15.2 The Provider can charge for meals and snacks as part of a free entitlement place Free Entitlement Place and they can also charge for consumables such as nappies or sun cream and for services such as trips and yogamusical tuition. These charges must Parents should therefore expect to pay for these, however if a parent chooses to provide a packed lunch/consumables this should be voluntary for the parentallowed. Where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers who choose if the Provider chooses to offer the free entitlements are it’s responsible for setting their own policy on how to respond, with options including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers The Provider should be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 Providers 15.3 The Provider should deliver the free entitlements Free Entitlements Places consistently so that all children accessing any of the free entitlements Entitlement Places will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional additional hours, services, meals or consumables. 12.4 Together 15.4 The Provider should be completely transparent about charges for Children additional hours and optional services prior to a child accessing a Free Entitlement Place. The Council will not intervene where parents Parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parentParent’s ability to take up their child’s free place. The provider should be completely transparent about any additional charges. 12.5 Providers 15.5 The Provider should publish their admissions criteria and ensure parents Parents and Service Users understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free provision. Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers The Provider should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, possible the pattern of hours is are convenient for parents’ working hours. 12.6 Providers 15.6 The Provider can charge parents Parents a deposit to secure their child’s funded free place but should refund the deposit in full to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings should refund the deposit only after the census has taken place in which the child has been included and funding has been paid to the setting. If a parent withdraws the child prior to the census the deposit will not be refunded. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a deposit. 12.7 Providers 15.7 The Provider cannot charge parents Parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a providerProvider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority Council to deliver free places) or require parents Parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free placeFree Entitlement Place. 12.8 Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 Providers 15.8 The Provider should ensure their invoices invoices, receipts and receipts other documentation in relation to the Free Entitlement Places are clear, transparent and itemised, allowing parents Parents to see that they have received their free entitlement Free Entitlement Place completely free of charge and understand the breakdown of any fees paid for additional hours and or services. The provider Provider will also ensure that their invoices, receipts and other documentation in relation to the Free Entitlement Places contain the provider’s their full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific providerProvider.

Charging. 12.1 15.1 Government funding is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of free, Free Entitlement Place that is a high quality, quality and flexible childcareprovision. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours or additional services. 12.2 Providers 15.2 The Provider can charge for meals and snacks as part of a free entitlement place Free Entitlement Place and they can also charge for consumables such as nappies or sun cream and for services such as trips and yogamusical tuition. These Parents should therefore expect to pay for these, although these charges must be voluntary for the parent. Where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers who choose if the Provider chooses to offer the free entitlements are it’s responsible for setting their own policy on how to respond, with options including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers The Provider should be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 Providers 15.3 The Provider should deliver the free entitlements Free Entitlements Places consistently so that all children accessing any of the free entitlements Entitlement Places will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional additional hours, services, meals or consumables. 12.4 Together 15.4 The Provider should be completely transparent about charges for Children additional hours and optional services prior to a child accessing a Free Entitlement Place. The Council will not intervene where parents Parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parentParent’s ability to take up their child’s free place. The provider should be completely transparent about any additional charges. 12.5 Providers 15.5 The Provider should publish their admissions criteria and ensure parents Parents and Service Users understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free provision. Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers The Provider should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, possible the pattern of hours is are convenient for parents’ working hours. 12.6 Providers 15.6 The Provider can charge parents Parents a deposit to secure their child’s funded free place but should refund the deposit in full to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings should refund the deposit only after the census has taken place in which the child has been included and funding has been paid to the setting. If a parent withdraws the child prior to the census the deposit will not be refunded. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a deposit. 12.7 Providers 15.7 The Provider cannot charge parents Parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a providerProvider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority Council to deliver free places) or require parents Parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free placeFree Entitlement Place. 12.8 Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 Providers 15.8 The Provider should ensure their invoices invoices, receipts and receipts other documentation in relation to the Free Entitlement Places are clear, transparent and itemised, allowing parents Parents to see that they have received their free entitlement Free Entitlement Place completely free of charge and understand the breakdown of any fees paid for additional hours and or services. The provider Provider will also ensure that their invoices, receipts and other documentation in relation to the Free Entitlement Places contain the provider’s their full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific providerProvider.

Charging. 12.1 14.1 This agreement does not provide guidance on how settings operate their individual businesses and does not cover any additional hours or services that a parent chooses to access at their child’s setting. 14.2 Government funding is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of free, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours hours, or additional services. 12.2 Providers 14.3 The provider can charge for meals and snacks as part of a free entitlement place place, and they can also charge for consumables such as nappies or sun cream and for services such as trips and yogamusical tuition. These charges must Providers should be voluntary for mindful of the parentimpact of additional charges, especially on the most disadvantaged parents. Where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers who choose to offer the free entitlements are responsible for setting their own policy on how to respond, providing parents with options for alternatives to additional charges, including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers should be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 Providers 14.4 The provider should deliver the free entitlements consistently so that all eligible children accessing any of the free entitlements them will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals or consumables. 12.4 Together for Children will 14.5 The local authority should not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing provided that this does is not affect a condition of accessing the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free place. entitlement. 14.6 The provider should be completely transparent about any additional charges. 12.5 Providers should publish their admissions criteria and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free provision. Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, possible the pattern of hours is are convenient for parents’ working hours. 12.6 Providers 14.7 The provider can charge parents a deposit to secure their child’s funded free place but should refund the deposit in full to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings Page | 17 xxx.xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx • Whilst a deposit can be charged for all children accessing their funded entitlement, providers should refund consider the criteria used to determine eligibility for families in receipt of additional Government support (Two-Year-Old Funding) in particular, when developing their policy on deposits. • When charging a deposit only after the census has taken place in which the for children accessing their funded entitlement, it is recommended that deposits are returned within a month of a child has been included and funding has been paid to the setting. If a parent withdraws the child prior to the census the deposit will not be refunded. Parents taking up their funded place, however it must be informed returned by the end of this if providers decide to charge the first term of attendance. • The provider can determine their own policy when charging a depositdeposit or registration fee for non-funded hours or services. 12.7 Providers 14.8 The provider cannot charge parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority to deliver free places) or require parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free place. 12.8 Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 Providers 14.9 The provider should ensure their invoices and receipts are clear, transparent and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement completely free of charge and understand fees paid for additional hours and serviceshours. The provider will also ensure that receipts contain the provider’s their full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific provider.

Charging. 12.1 ‌ 16.1 Government funding is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of free, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours or additional services. 12.2 Providers 16.2 The provider can charge for meals and snacks as part of a free entitlement place and they can also charge for consumables such as nappies or sun cream and for services such as trips and yogamusical tuition. These Parents should therefore expect to pay for these, although these charges must be voluntary for the parent. Where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers who choose to offer the free entitlements are responsible for setting their own policy on how to respond, with options including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers should be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 Providers 16.3 The provider should deliver the free entitlements consistently so that all children accessing any of the free entitlements will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals or consumables.consumables.‌‌‌ 12.4 Together for Children 16.4 BFC will not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free place. The provider should be completely transparent about any additional charges. 12.5 16.5 Providers should must publish their admissions criteria and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free provisionprovision and where additional charges will apply. Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, possible the pattern patterns of hours is are convenient for parents’ working hours. 12.6 Providers 16.6 To give providers certainty that a parent will take up a place, providers can charge parents a deposit to secure their child’s funded place but should free place. Providers must refund the deposit in full to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings should refund 6 weeks of the deposit only after the census has taken place in which the child has been included and funding has been paid to the settingchild’s start date. If a parent withdraws fails to take up their place the provider is not obliged to refund the deposit. The best interest of the child prior to the census the and individual circumstances should be taken into account when deciding whether a deposit will not be refunded. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a depositcharged or retained. 12.7 16.7 Providers canmust not charge parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority Local Authority to deliver free places) or require parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free place. 12.8 Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 16.8 Providers should ensure their invoices and receipts are clear, transparent and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement entitlements completely free of charge and understand fees paid charged for additional hours and serviceshours. The provider will Providers should also ensure that receipts receipts/invoices contain the provider’s their full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific provider.

Charging. 12.1 Government funding is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of free, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours or additional services. 12.2 Providers . The provider can charge for meals and snacks as part of a free entitlement place and they can also charge for consumables such as nappies or sun cream and for services such as extra chargeable activities, e.g. trips and yoga. These charges must be voluntary for the parent. Where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers who choose to offer the free entitlements are responsible for setting their own policy on how to respond, with options including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers should Basic necessities for everyday high quality early years provision may not be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 Providers charged for, e.g. toilet paper, soap, hand towels, tissues, and cleaning materials. The provider should deliver the free entitlements consistently so that all children accessing any of the free entitlements will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals or consumables. 12.4 Together . Changing the hourly rate from the standard published rate for Children a child accessing the free entitlements is not allowed, i.e.  If a child claims the free entitlements, the rate charged for the additional hours of attendance must be the published standard rate.  Changing the rate is considered to be penalising parents for claiming the free entitlements  Wrap around care which differs from standard, published hourly rate is considered to be hidden ‘top-up’ rate to offset the cost of delivering the free entitlements  Discounts, where offered, should be made available to all children BFC will not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free place. The provider should purchase of additional hours must not be completely transparent about any additional charges. 12.5 compulsory or a condition of accessing the free entitlements. Providers should must publish their fees, charges and admissions criteria and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free provisionprovision and where additional charges will apply. Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, possible the pattern patterns of hours is are convenient for parents’ working hours. 12.6 Providers . To give providers certainty that a parent will take up a place for a 3 or 4 year old, providers can charge parents a refundable deposit to secure their child’s funded free place but should must refund the deposit in full to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings should refund 6 weeks of the deposit only after the census has taken place in which the child has been included and funding has been paid to the settingchild’s start date. If a parent withdraws fails to take up their place the child prior provider is not obliged to refund the census the deposit will deposit. Deposits must not be refundedcharged for funded 2 year old places. Parents Providers must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a deposit. 12.7 Providers cannot charge parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority Local Authority to deliver free places) or ). Providers must not require parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free place. 12.8 . Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 Providers should must ensure their invoices and receipts are clear, transparent and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement entitlements completely free of charge and understand fees paid charged for additional hours and serviceshours. The provider will Providers must also ensure that receipts receipts/invoices contain the provider’s their full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific provider.

Charging. 12.1 12.1. Funded early education is a part time place for each eligible child and must be completely free at the point of delivery. 12.2. Government funding is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of free, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours or additional services. 12.2 Providers 12.3. The provider can charge for meals and snacks as part of a free funded entitlement place and they can also charge for consumables such as nappies or sun cream and for services such as trips and yoga. These charges must Providers should be voluntary for mindful of the parentimpact of additional charges, especially on the most disadvantaged parents. Where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers who choose to offer the free entitlements are responsible for setting their own policy on how to respond, providing parents with options for alternatives to additional charges, including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers should be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parentsmeals or other chargeable items. 12.3 Providers 12.4. The provider should deliver the free funded entitlements consistently so that all children accessing any of the free funded entitlements will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals or consumables. 12.4 Together for Children will 12.5. The LA should not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free funded place. The provider should be completely transparent about any additional chargescharges and it is strongly recommended that providers require the parent/carer to sign and agree these at the point of entry. 12.5 Providers should 12.6. The provider must publish their admissions policy and criteria and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free funded provision. Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, possible the pattern of hours is are convenient for parents’ working hours. 12.6 Providers 12.7. The provider can charge parents a deposit to secure their child’s funded place but should refund the deposit in full to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings should refund the deposit only after the census has taken place in which the child has been included and funding has been paid to the setting. If a parent withdraws the child prior to the census the deposit will not be refunded. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a deposit. 12.7 Providers 12.8. The provider cannot charge parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority LA to deliver free funded places) or require parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free funded place. 12.8 Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 Providers should 12.9. The provider must ensure their invoices and receipts are clear, transparent and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement completely free of charge and understand fees paid for additional hours and serviceshours, services or consumables. The provider will also ensure that receipts contain the provider’s their full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific provider.

Charging. 12.1 Government funding is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of free, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the cost of The Provider shall: 10.1 Providers can make charges for meals, consumables, additional hours or additional services. 12.2 activities to parents accessing funded hours only. Providers can charge for meals and snacks as part of a free entitlement place and they can also charge for consumables must, however, offer alternatives to parents such as nappies or sun cream providing packed lunches and for services such as trips and yogaproviding their own consumables. These charges must (The Provider acknowledges that it shall be voluntary for the parent. Where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers who choose to offer the free entitlements are responsible for setting their its own policy on how to respond, with including options including waiving waiving, or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers should be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents, where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables). 12.3 Providers should deliver 10.2 Deliver the free entitlements consistently so that all children accessing any of the free entitlements will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals or consumables. 12.4 Together 10.3 Publish its admissions’ criteria and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free provision. (It is acknowledged that not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible the pattern of hours are convenient for Children parents’ working hours). 10.4 If charging parents a deposit to secure their child’s free place, refund the deposit in full to parents by the claim date in the term in which the place is taken up. (The Provider’s attention is drawn to the fact that the practice of charging deposits for funded 2-year-old places is a discouraged). 10.5 Not charge parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a Provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the Council to deliver free places) or require parents to pay a registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free place. 10.6 Ensure their invoices and receipts are clear, transparent and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement completely free of charge and understand fees paid for additional hours. The provider will not also ensure that receipts contain their full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific provider. 10.7 Not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free place. (The provider should must be completely transparent about any additional charges). 12.5 Providers should publish their admissions criteria and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free provision. Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, the pattern of hours is convenient for parents’ working hours. 12.6 Providers can charge parents a deposit to secure their child’s funded place but should refund the deposit in full to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings should refund the deposit only after the census has taken place in which the child has been included and funding has been paid to the setting. If a parent withdraws the child prior to the census the deposit will not be refunded. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a deposit. 12.7 Providers cannot charge parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority to deliver free places) or require parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free place. 12.8 Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 Providers should ensure their invoices and receipts are clear, transparent and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement completely free of charge and understand fees paid for additional hours and services. The provider will also ensure that receipts contain the provider’s full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific provider.

Charging. 12.1 Government funding is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of free, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours or additional services. 12.2 Providers The provider can charge for meals and snacks as part of a free entitlement place and they can also charge for consumables such as nappies or sun cream and for services such as trips and yogamusical tuition. These Parents should therefore expect to pay for these, although these charges must be voluntary for the parent. . 12.3 Where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers who choose to offer the free entitlements are responsible for setting their own policy on how to respond, with options including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers should be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 Providers 12.4 The provider should deliver the free entitlements consistently so that all children accessing any of the free entitlements will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals or consumables. 12.4 Together for Children will 12.5 Gloucestershire County Council should not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free place. . 12.6 The provider should be completely transparent about any additional charges. 12.5 Providers should publish their admissions criteria and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free provision. Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, possible the pattern patterns of hours is are convenient for parents’ working hours. 12.6 Providers 12.7 The provider can charge parents a deposit to secure their child’s funded free place but should refund the deposit in full to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings should refund the deposit only after the census has taken place in which the child has been included and funding has been paid to the setting. If a parent withdraws the child prior to the census the deposit will Parents must not be refunded. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a deposit. 12.7 Providers cannot charge parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority to deliver free places) or require parents required to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free place. It is at the provider's discretion if they want to charge a registration fee for a child accessing over and above their free entitlement. 12.8 Providers should The provider cannot charge parents “top-up” fees (any difference between a provider’s normal hour rate and the funding they receive from Gloucestershire County Council to deliver free places) or accept money from invoice parents for a free entitlement place and in advance then reimburse them following receipt of fundingdeduct the funding once it has been received. 12.9 Providers The provider should ensure their invoices and receipts are clear, transparent and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement completely free of charge and understand fees paid for additional hours hours. 12.10 Providers must ensure they have their own debt policy in place to recover fees for non eligible 2 year olds and services. The provider will also ensure that receipts contain the provider’s full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific providernon eligible 30 hour codes.

Charging. 12.1 Government 5.1 The Early Years Entitlement (EYE) hours must be free to parents at the point of delivery. In each funding is intended to cover period providers must deduct hours not the cost to deliver 15 or 30 monetary value from invoices. This method ensures that families are not being charged “top up” for their funded hours. Whatever hours a week are claimed and paid for within the funding period, the same number of free, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover hours must be deducted from the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours or additional servicesinvoices for the same timeframe. 12.2 5.2 Families must not be charged for the monetary difference between the funded rate and the fee-paying rate. Providers must ensure that they are completely transparent about any additional charges. Providers can charge for meals and snacks as part of a free entitlement place and they can also charge for meals, snacks, consumables such as nappies or nappies, wipes and sun cream cream, and for additional services such as trips trips, specialist tuition, pick up and drop-offs, swimming, and yoga. These charges must be voluntary for the parent, and not as a condition of taking up a place. All service charges must be clearly itemised on invoices and fees policies. 5.3 Where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and meals, consumables, providers who choose and additional services, an alternative should be offered to offer the free entitlements parents. Providers are responsible for setting their own policy on how to respond, with options including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers should Please be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 5.4 Providers should must deliver the free entitlements consistently so that all children accessing any of the free entitlements will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals or consumables. 12.4 Together for Children will 5.5 The Local Authority should not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free early years entitlement place. The provider should be completely transparent about any additional charges. 12.5 5.6 Providers should must publish their admissions criteria and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free early years entitlement provision. Not all providers will be able It is the providers’ responsibility to offer fully flexible places, but providers should work with set their admissions and fees policies. Providers cannot place conditions on accessing entitlement places on parents to ensure that as far as possible, the pattern of hours is convenient for parents’ working hoursin their admissions policies. 12.6 5.7 Providers can charge parents a refundable deposit to secure their child’s funded place but early year’s entitlement place. The deposit should refund the deposit be refunded in full to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings There is no set statutory timescale and it is the provider’s responsibility to clearly state this in their fees policy. 5.8 Parents should refund not be charged if the deposit only after provider is not able to offer a service due to planned closure. If the census has taken place in which the child has been included and funding has been paid setting is open but it is parental choice not to access the setting, then they can be charged or entitlement hours claimed as long as this is stated in the provider’s fees policy. If a parent withdraws It is recommended that providers consider spreading their costs across the child prior to the census the deposit will year so that parents are not be refunded. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a depositcharged for bank holidays, or INSET training days. 12.7 5.9 Providers cannot charge parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority to deliver free places) or require parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up or booking fee to parents accessing only their child’s free early years entitlement place. 12.8 5.10 Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 Providers should must ensure their that invoices and receipts are clear, transparent and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement completely free of charge and understand fees paid for additional hours and services. The provider will hours. 5.11 Provider must also ensure that receipts and invoices contain the provider’s their full business details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific provider. 5.12 Providers should be mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged families. The Early Years Pupil Premium provides additional funding to providers to support disadvantaged three and four year olds (see Section 10).

Charging. 12.1 11.1 Government funding is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of free, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours or additional services.. Therefore: 12.2 Providers 11.2 The provider can charge for meals and or snacks as part of a free entitlement place and they can also charge for consumables such as nappies or sun cream and for services such as trips trips, and yoga. These charges must be voluntary The parent has the right to choose not to pay for the parentthese additional services. Where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers who choose to offer the free entitlements are responsible for setting their own policy on how to respond, with options including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers should be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 Providers 11.3 The provider should deliver the free entitlements consistently so that all children accessing any of the free entitlements will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals or consumables. 12.4 Together for Children 11.4 RBKC will not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free place. The provider should be completely transparent about any additional charges. 12.5 Providers should publish their admissions criteria and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free provision. Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, the pattern of hours is convenient for parents’ working hours. 12.6 Providers can charge parents a deposit to secure their child’s funded place but should refund the deposit in full to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings should refund the deposit only after the census has taken place in which the child has been included and funding has been paid to the setting. If a parent withdraws the child prior to the census the deposit will not be refunded. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a deposit. 12.7 11.5 Providers cannot charge parents “top-‘top up” ’ fees (the difference between a provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority RBKC to deliver the EYFE). Each entitlement delivered by participating providers must be free places) at the point of delivery but Providers may still charge for additional hours or require services if applicable. The following conditions will apply:  All invoicing/statements must clearly show that the relevant entitlement has been delivered free of charge (such invoices/statements to be provided either monthly or termly); and  The charges made to parents for any additional services or additional hours of childcare over and above the relevant entitlement must be clearly explained and itemised on invoices.  RBKC will carry out audits to pay ensure that providers are delivering the relevant entitlements free of charge. 11.6 Providers can charge parents a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up deposit to secure their child’s free place. 12.8 Providers should not charge or accept money from parents EYFE place for a free 3 and 4-year- old but should refund the deposit in full to parents within the first week of their child taking up the place 11.7 All invoicing statements must clearly show that the relevant entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 Providers should ensure their invoices and receipts are clear, transparent and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement completely has been delivered free of charge and understand fees paid (such invoices/statements to be provided either monthly (if the Providers is a day care provider) or termly. The charges made to parents for any additional services or additional hours of childcare over and above the relevant entitlement must be clearly explained and itemised on the invoices. 11.8 Providers will direct parents who want the free entitlement with no additional services. The provider /hours to the FIS who will also ensure that receipts contain in turn direct them to accommodating Providers detailed in the provider’s full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific providerProviders Directory.

Charging. 12.1 ‌ 16.1 Early years entitlement places must be delivered ‘free of charge’. Providers must not: • Charge parents “top up fees” (charge a fee for the difference between funding received and standard hourly rates) • Use the entitlements to ‘discount’ fees. (funding received from the Council is deducted from the standard hourly rate) • Require parents to pay a registration fee as a condition of accessing an entitlement only place 16.2 Providers must not attach conditions to accessing the entitlements. For example, compulsory additional hours, compulsory additional sessions, or compulsory additional services. 16.3 Bracknell Forest Council will not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing this does not affect the parent’s ability to take up their child’s entitlement place. 16.4 The entitlements are for hours of childcare. The entitlements do not have a monetary value for parents and must not be represented to parents as a monetary subsidy. Parents do not need to know, or have a right to know, the funding rate providers receive from the Council. 16.5 Government funding is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of free, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours hours, or additional services. 12.2 16.6 Providers can charge for meals and snacks as part of a free entitlement place providing the entitlements and they can also charge for consumables such as nappies or sun cream cream, and for services such as trips and yogaspecialist tuition. These charges must be voluntary for the parent. Where parents are unable or unwilling Parents should therefore expect to pay for meals and consumablesthese additional charges. 16.7 Providers may charge parents for administration costs incurred to open portal tasks, outside of the scheduled dates, however providers who choose to offer must ensure parents are aware of this cost before the free task is opened. 16.8 Providers offering the entitlements are responsible for setting their own a policy on how to respond, providing parents with options for alternatives to additional charges including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own mealsmeals or nappies. Providers should be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 16.9 Providers should deliver the free entitlements consistently so that all children accessing any of the free entitlements will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals meals, or consumables. 12.4 Together 16.10 Providers must be completely transparent about additional charges when a parent first takes up their child’s entitlement place, for Children will not intervene where example, for those parents choose opting to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services. 16.11 To give providers certainty that a parent will take up a place, providing that providers can charge parents a deposit to secure their child’s entitlement place, but should consider if this does not affect will prevent take up, especially for disadvantaged families. Where a child is accessing an entitlement only place, providers must refund the parentdeposit in full to parents within 6 weeks of the child’s ability start date. If a parent fails to take up their child’s free place. The place the provider should be completely transparent about any additional chargesis not obliged to refund the deposit. 12.5 16.12 Providers should must publish their admissions criteria and any fees for consumables, additional hours and services and make these easily available to parents to enable parents to make an informed choice of provider. 16.13 Providers must ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free provisionpart of the entitlement provision and where additional charges will apply. Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, possible the pattern patterns of hours is are convenient for parents’ parent’s working hours. 12.6 16.14 Providers can charge must issue parents a deposit to secure their child’s funded place but should refund the deposit in full to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings should refund the deposit only after the census has taken place in which the child has been included and funding has been paid to the setting. If a parent withdraws the child prior to the census the deposit will not be refunded. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a deposit. 12.7 Providers cannot charge parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority to deliver free places) or require parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free place. 12.8 Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 Providers should ensure their with invoices and receipts which are clear, transparent transparent, and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement entitlements completely free of charge charge, and understand fees paid charged for additional hours and or services. The provider will also ensure that receipts Receipts and invoices must contain the provider’s full details and be dated so that they can be identified as coming from a specific provider.specific

Charging. 12.1 Government funding is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of freefunded, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours hours, or additional services. 12.2 Providers . • The Provider can charge the parents/carers for meals and snacks as part of a free entitlement funded place and they can also charge for consumables such as nappies or sun cream and for services such as trips and yoga. These charges must MUST be voluntary for the parent. Where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers who choose to offer the free entitlements Early Years Funding are responsible for setting their own policy on how to respond, with options including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers should be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 Providers . • The Provider should deliver the free entitlements EY Funding consistently so that all children accessing any of the free entitlements EY Funding will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals meals, or consumables. 12.4 Together for Children will . Any additional hours or services purchased by a parent must not affect the parent’s ability to take up their child’s funded place. • The Local Authority should not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free funded place. The provider Provider should be completely transparent about any additional charges. 12.5 Providers . • The Provider should publish their admissions criteria and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free funded provision. Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, possible the pattern of hours is are convenient for parents’ working hours. 12.6 Providers . • The Provider can charge parents a deposit to secure their child’s funded place but should refund the deposit in full to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings should refund the deposit only after the census has taken place in which the child has been included and funding has been paid to the setting. If a parent withdraws the child prior to the census the deposit will not be refunded. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a deposit. 12.7 Providers cannot • The Provider CANNOT charge parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority Local Authority to deliver free funded places) or require parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free funded place. 12.8 Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 Providers . • The Provider should ensure their invoices and receipts are clear, transparent transparent, and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement Early Years Funding completely free of charge and understand fees paid for additional hours and serviceshours. The provider Provider will also ensure that receipts contain the provider’s their full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific provider. • Sample Invoices can be found on the home page of the Portal.

Charging. 12.1 13.1. Government funding is intended to cover the cost to deliver of delivering 15 or 30 hours a week of free, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours or additional services. 12.2 Providers 13.2. The provider can charge for meals and snacks as part of a free entitlement place and they can also charge for consumables such as nappies or sun cream and for services such as trips and yoga. These charges must be voluntary for the parentparent and should not disadvantage the learning and development and inclusion of any child. Where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers who choose to offer the free entitlements are responsible for setting their own policy on how to respond, with options including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers All charges should be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parentstransparent and invoices itemised. 12.3 Providers 13.3. The provider should deliver the free entitlements consistently consistently, so that all children accessing any of the free entitlements will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals or consumables. 12.4 Together for Children 13.4. The authority will not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free place. The provider should be completely transparent about any additional charges. 12.5 Providers 13.5. The provider should publish their admissions criteria on Family Information Directory and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free provision. Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but however providers should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, possible the pattern patterns of hours is are convenient for parents’ working hours. 12.6 Providers 13.6. Parents can charge parents be charged a deposit to secure their child’s funded place but free place. Providers should refund the deposit in full at the end of headcount week. Providers are not obliged to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings should refund the deposit only after if the census has taken place in which the child has been included and funding has been paid parent fails to the settingtake up their free place. If a parent withdraws the child prior to the census the deposit will not be refunded. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide choose to charge a deposit, the authority strongly advise that charges are reasonable. Charges should be no more than 10% of a week’s funding at 15 or 30 hours. Local authorities can use their discretion to determine if charging a deposit will prevent take-up, for example, for the two-year-old entitlement for disadvantaged families. 12.7 Providers 13.7. The provider cannot charge parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority to deliver free places) or require parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free place. The authority reserves the right to challenge any provider who charges parents any mandatory fees as a condition of securing a free childcare place. This includes any payments such as registration/administration fees that prohibit children accessing free childcare places. This does not apply to any private arrangement between parent and provider for childcare purchased outside the funded hours. 12.8 13.8. In Law the provider must issue parents with invoices that follow legal requirements. Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 Providers should must ensure their invoices and receipts that they are clear, transparent and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement completely free of charge and understand fees paid for additional hours and serviceshours. The provider will also ensure that receipts contain the provider’s their full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific provider. Payments and Invoicing Guidance Funding – Early Education Grant 13.9. This funding must be used to deliver free childcare places. 13.10. If financial misappropriation is suspected the authority reserves the right to carry out formal investigations. This may involve the police and fraud officers. If fraud is detected, grant money will be reclaimed in full. Financial misappropriation of funding refers to all financial remuneration received by the provider from the authority. 13.11. The decision to fund a provider to deliver early education places will be based on the provider’s Ofsted inspection judgment, and the authority will fund: 13.12. Eligible children are entitled to Early Education Funding in the term following their 2nd birthday until they are of compulsory school age. Funding Terms are defined by the Department for Education as: Summer Term 1st April to 31st August Autumn Term 1st September to 31st December Spring Term 1st January to 31st March 13.13. Early Education Funding for two year old children is subject to the parent/carer obtaining a confirmation of eligibility letter from Plymouth City Council. 13.14. The authority reserves the right to decline requests for providers to provide childcare places for eligible two year old children in settings judged less than good by Ofsted. 13.15. The authority reserves the right to suspend new eligible two year old children starting in settings that receive a published Requires Improvement Ofsted judgement, until such time a published good or better Ofsted judgement. 13.16. The authority reserves the right to withdraw funding for eligible two year old children in settings following a published Inadequate Ofsted judgement, until such time there is a published good or better Ofsted judgement. 13.17. In cases meeting the criteria listed above, the authority will work with parents and providers to source alternative childcare in settings that have a published good or better Ofsted judgement. Framework for delivering flexible free early education 13.18. Providers will deliver the free entitlement within the following framework: 13.19. Standard offer of 15/30 hours per week over 38 weeks Stretched offer of 12/24 hours per week over 47.5 week 13.20. Providers must keep a daily register of attendance of all children who receive Early Education Funding. The register must clearly show the hours claimed for Free Early Education. Daily registers must be retained for 7 years and be available for audit verification. The combined offer (a mixture of standard and stretched) 13.21. A child accessing a 30 hour place can split their entitlement between a standard provider and stretched provider The combined offer 1: 13.22. Under this offer a child can access a standard provider for 38 weeks and a stretched provider for 47.5 weeks. 13.23. A parent/carer can claim any number of hours up to 27 hours per week for 38 weeks with a standard provider and no more than 12 hours per week for 47.5 weeks with a stretched provider. The total hours claimed across providers must not exceed 27 hours per week and the total hours claimed with the stretched provider cannot exceed 12 hours. 13.24. The table below is an example of how a child can split their 27 hours per week in order to maximise their entitlement, parents are not limited to this example and may choose to split their entitlement differently. Hours per week Standard provider Standard weeks per term Hours per week Stretched provider Stretched weeks per term Total entitlement The combined offer 2: 13.25. Under this offer a child can access a standard provider for 38 weeks and a holiday club for 13.26. A child can claim up to 24 hours per week for 38 weeks with a standard provider and up to 24 hours per week for 9.5 weeks with a holiday club during the school holidays. 13.27. Childminders and PVI settings can also offer a holiday club. 13.28. The table below outlines the split of funded weeks across the standard provider and the holiday club for each term. Weeks per term – standard provider Weeks per term- holiday club Total entitlement Conditions of using a combined offer 13.29. A parent/carer can only use one offer at any time. 13.30. If a child starts a combined offer they must remain on that offer until the end of the financial year (31 March). 13.31. Under offer 1, a child cannot increase their funded hours with the stretched provider during the school holidays, when the standard provider is closed. 13.32. Under offer 2, a child cannot reduce the number of weeks claimed with the standard setting to below 38 weeks and increase the number of weeks claimed with the holiday club to above 9.5 weeks. 13.33. A child can only access a combined offer if they are eligible for a 30 hour place. 13.34. If a child becomes ineligible for 30 hours part way through the year, they can no longer access a combined offer but must remain on a stretched offer until the end of the financial year (31 March). Transfers in/out during the term 13.35. The provider is expected to deliver Free Early Education for the whole term. Payment for this service is based on the attendance during Headcount week and the number of weeks in the term. 13.36. All providers are expected to offer Free Early Education for children who transfer in during the term, provided there are spaces available. 13.37. No additional funding is available for children who transfer in after Headcount. 13.38. No reclaim is made for children who leave after Headcount. 13.39. Where a child transfers to a childminder from a nursery setting, Early Education Funding will be reclaimed proportionally from the previous provider and transferred to the childminder by the authority. 13.40. Where a child transfers to a new setting after the headcount payment has been released, the original provider may agree to transfer funding for the free entitlement to the child’s new provider. 13.41. If a child transfers from another local authority, the provider will contact the authority to inform them. The authority will deal with each request on a case by case basis. 13.42. Before Headcount, providers must not charge parents for their Free Entitlement if the child leaves. However, the funding must be apportioned with agreement of both providers and by informing the Early Years’ Finance Team. Providers must agree to apportion the funding pro rata, if this is not agreed, the authority will mediate between all parties.

Charging. 12.1 Government funding is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of free, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours or additional services. 12.2 Providers The provider can charge for meals and snacks as part of a free entitlement place and they can also charge for consumables such as nappies or sun cream and for services such as trips and yogamusical tuition. These Parents should therefore expect to pay for these, although these charges must be voluntary for the parent. . 12.3 Where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers who choose to offer the free entitlements are responsible for setting their own policy on how to respond, with options including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers should be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 Providers 12.4 The provider should deliver the free entitlements consistently so that all children accessing any of the free entitlements will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals or consumables. 12.4 Together for Children will 12.5 Gloucestershire County Council should not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free place. . 12.6 The provider should be completely transparent about any additional charges. 12.5 Providers should publish their admissions criteria and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free provision. Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, possible the pattern patterns of hours is are convenient for parents’ working hours. 12.6 Providers 12.7 The provider can charge parents a deposit to secure their child’s funded free place but should refund the deposit in full to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings should refund It is at the deposit only after the census has taken place in which the child has been included and funding has been paid to the setting. If a parent withdraws the child prior to the census the deposit will not be refunded. Parents must be informed of this provider's discretion if providers decide they want to charge a depositregistration fee for a child accessing over and above their free entitlement. 12.7 Providers 12.8 The provider cannot charge parents “top-up” fees (the any difference between a provider’s usual fee normal charge to parents and the funding they receive from the local authority Gloucestershire County Council to deliver free places) or require parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free place. 12.8 Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 Providers The provider should ensure their invoices and receipts are clear, transparent and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement completely free of charge and understand fees paid for additional hours and services. The provider will also ensure that receipts contain the provider’s full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific providerhours.

Charging. 12.1 Government 4.1 The Early Years Entitlement (EYE) hours must be free to parents at the point of delivery. In each funding is intended to cover period providers must deduct hours not the cost to deliver 15 or 30 monetary value from invoices. This method ensures that families are not being charged “top up” for their funded hours. Whatever hours a week are claimed and paid for within the funding period, the same number of free, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover hours must be deducted from the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours or additional servicesinvoices for the same timeframe. 12.2 4.2 Families must not be charged for the monetary difference between the funded rate and the fee-paying rate. Providers must ensure that they are completely transparent about any additional charges. Providers can charge for meals and snacks as part of a free entitlement place and they can also charge for meals, snacks, consumables such as nappies or nappies, wipes and sun cream cream, and for additional services such as trips trips, specialist tuition, pick up and drop-offs, swimming, and yoga. These charges must be voluntary for the parent, and not as a condition of taking up a place. All service charges must be clearly itemised on invoices and fees policies. 4.3 Where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and meals, consumables, providers who choose and additional services, an alternative should be offered to offer the free entitlements parents. Providers are responsible for setting their own policy on how to respond, with options including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers should Please be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 4.4 Providers should must deliver the free entitlements consistently so that all children accessing any of the free entitlements will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional additional hours, services, meals or consumables. 12.4 Together for Children 4.5 The Local Authority will not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free early years entitlement place. The provider should be completely transparent about any additional charges. 12.5 4.6 Providers should must publish their admissions criteria and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free early years entitlement provision. Not all providers will be able It is the providers’ responsibility to offer fully flexible places, but providers should work with set their admissions and fees policies. Providers cannot place conditions on accessing entitlement places on parents to ensure that as far as possible, the pattern of hours is convenient for parents’ working hoursin their admissions policies. 12.6 4.7 Providers can charge parents a refundable deposit to secure their child’s funded place but early year’s entitlement place. The deposit should refund the deposit be refunded in full to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings There is no set statutory timescale and it is the provider’s responsibility to clearly state this in their fees policy. 4.8 Parents should refund not be charged if the deposit only after provider is not able to offer a service due to planned closure. If the census has taken place in which the child has been included and funding has been paid setting is open but it is parental choice not to access the setting, then they can be charged or entitlement hours claimed as long as this is stated in the provider’s fees policy. If a parent withdraws It is recommended that providers consider spreading their costs across the child prior to the census the deposit will year so that parents are not be refunded. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a depositcharged for bank holidays, or INSET training days. 12.7 4.9 Providers cannot charge parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority to deliver free places) or require parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up or booking fee to parents accessing only their child’s free early years entitlement place. 12.8 4.10 Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 Providers should must ensure their that invoices and receipts are clear, transparent and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement completely free of charge and understand fees paid for additional hours and services. The provider will hours. 4.11 Provider must also ensure that receipts and invoices contain the provider’s their full business details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific provider. 4.12 Providers should be mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged families. The Early Years Pupil Premium provides additional funding to providers to support disadvantaged three and four year olds (See Section 10)

Charging. 12.1 Government funding 13.1 Early Years Funding is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of free, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours or additional services. 12.2 Providers 13.2 The Provider can charge for meals and snacks as part of a free entitlement Free Entitlement place and they can also charge for consumables such as nappies or sun cream and for services such as trips and yogaspecialist tuition. These Parents should therefore expect to pay for these, although these charges must be voluntary for the parent. Where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers who choose consumables and if the Provider chooses to offer the free entitlements are Free Entitlements, the Provider is responsible for setting their its own policy on how to respond, with options including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers should be particularly mindful of the impact of the additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 Providers should 13.3 The Provider shall deliver the free entitlements Free Entitlements consistently so that all children accessing any of the free entitlements Free Entitlements will receive the same quality and access to the Early Education and Childcare provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals or consumables. 12.4 Together for Children 13.4 The Authority will not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of the Early Education and Childcare provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free place. The provider should Provider shall be completely transparent about any additional charges. 12.5 Providers should 13.5 The Provider must publish their admissions criteria and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free provision. Not all providers will be able If the Provider is unable to offer fully flexible places, but providers places the Provider should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, possible the pattern of hours is are convenient for parents’ working hours. 12.6 Providers 13.6 The Provider can charge parents a deposit to secure their child’s funded place for three and four year olds but should refund the deposit in full to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings should refund six week period of the deposit only after start of term or their first date of attendance as applicable. 13.7 The Provider will ensure that the census has taken place in which Early Education and Childcare provision is delivered completely free of charge to the parent of the child has been included and funding has been paid to the settingtaking up their free place. If a parent withdraws the child prior to the census the deposit will not be refunded. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a deposit. 12.7 Providers The Provider cannot charge parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a providerProvider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority Authority to deliver free places) or require parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free place. 12.8 Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 Providers should 13.8 The Provider shall ensure their invoices and receipts are clear, transparent and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free funded entitlement completely free of charge and understand fees paid for additional hours and serviceshours. The provider Provider will also ensure that receipts contain the provider’s their full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific providerProvider.

Charging. 12.1 ‌ 16.1 Government funding is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of free, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours or additional services. 12.2 Providers 16.2 The provider can charge for meals and snacks as part of a free entitlement place and they can also charge for consumables such as nappies or sun cream and for services such as trips and yogamusical tuition. These Parents should therefore expect to pay for these, although these charges must be voluntary for the parent. Where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers who choose to offer the free entitlements are responsible for setting their own policy on how to respond, with options including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers should be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 Providers 16.3 The provider should deliver the free entitlements consistently so that all children accessing any of the free entitlements will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals or consumables. 12.4 Together for Children 16.4 BFC will not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free place. The provider should be completely transparent about any additional chargescharges and provide invoices upon request from the parents. 12.5 16.5 Providers should must publish their admissions criteria and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free provisionprovision and where additional charges will apply. Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, possible the pattern patterns of hours is are convenient for parents’ working hours. 12.6 Providers 16.6 To give providers certainty that a parent will take up a place, providers can charge parents a deposit to secure their child’s funded place but should free place. Where a child is accessing a free entitlement only place, providers must refund the deposit in full to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings should refund 6 weeks of the deposit only after the census has taken place in which the child has been included and funding has been paid to the settingchild’s start date. If a parent withdraws fails to take up their place the provider is not obliged to refund the deposit. The best interest of the child prior to the census the and individual circumstances should be considered when deciding whether a deposit will not be refunded. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a depositcharged or retained. 12.7 16.7 Providers canmust not charge parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority Local Authority to deliver free places) or require parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free placeplace in line with the Statutory Guidance from the Department for Education (June 2018). 12.8 Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 16.8 Providers should ensure their invoices and receipts are clear, transparent transparent, and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement entitlements completely free of charge charge, and understand fees paid charged for additional hours and serviceshours. The provider will Providers should also ensure that receipts receipts/invoices contain the provider’s their full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific provider.

Charging. 12.1 16.1 Early years entitlement places must be delivered ‘free of charge’. Providers must not: • Charge parents “top up fees” (charge a fee for the difference between funding received and standard hourly rates) • Use the entitlements to ‘discount’ fees. (funding received from the Council is deducted from the standard hourly rate) • Require parents to pay a registration fee as a condition of accessing an entitlement only place 16.2 Providers must not attach conditions to accessing the entitlements. For example, compulsory additional hours, compulsory additional sessions, or compulsory additional services. 16.3 Bracknell Forest Council will not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing this does not affect the parent’s ability to take up their child’s entitlement place. 16.4 The entitlements are for hours of childcare. The entitlements do not have a monetary value for parents and must not be represented to parents as a monetary subsidy. Parents do not need to know, or have a right to know, the funding rate providers receive from the Council. 16.5 Government funding is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of free, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours hours, or additional services. 12.2 16.6 Providers can charge for meals and snacks as part of a free entitlement place providing the entitlements and they can also charge for consumables such as nappies or sun cream cream, and for services such as trips and yogaspecialist tuition. These charges must be voluntary for the parent. Where parents are unable or unwilling Parents should therefore expect to pay for meals and consumablesthese additional charges. 16.7 Providers may charge parents for administration costs incurred to open portal tasks, outside of the scheduled dates, however providers who choose to offer must ensure parents are aware of this cost before the free task is opened. 16.8 Providers offering the entitlements are responsible for setting their own a policy on how to respond, providing parents with options for alternatives to additional charges including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own mealsmeals or nappies. Providers should be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 16.9 Providers should deliver the free entitlements consistently so that all children accessing any of the free entitlements will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals meals, or consumables. 12.4 Together 16.10 Providers must be completely transparent about additional charges when a parent first takes up their child’s entitlement place, for Children will not intervene where example, for those parents choose opting to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services. 16.11 To give providers certainty that a parent will take up a place, providing that providers can charge parents a deposit to secure their child’s entitlement place, but should consider if this does not affect will prevent take up, especially for disadvantaged families. Where a child is accessing an entitlement only place, providers must refund the parentdeposit in full to parents within 6 weeks of the child’s ability start date. If a parent fails to take up their child’s free place. The place the provider should be completely transparent about any additional chargesis not obliged to refund the deposit. 12.5 16.12 Providers should must publish their admissions criteria and any fees for consumables, additional hours and services and make these easily available to parents to enable parents to make an informed choice of provider. 16.13 Providers must ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free provisionpart of the entitlement provision and where additional charges will apply. Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, possible the pattern patterns of hours is are convenient for parents’ parent’s working hours. 12.6 16.14 Providers can charge must issue parents a deposit to secure their child’s funded place but should refund the deposit in full to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings should refund the deposit only after the census has taken place in which the child has been included and funding has been paid to the setting. If a parent withdraws the child prior to the census the deposit will not be refunded. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a deposit. 12.7 Providers cannot charge parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority to deliver free places) or require parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free place. 12.8 Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 Providers should ensure their with invoices and receipts which are clear, transparent transparent, and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement entitlements completely free of charge charge, and understand fees paid charged for additional hours and or services. The provider will also ensure that receipts Receipts and invoices must contain the provider’s full details and be dated so that they can be identified as coming from a specific providerprovider and covering a specific period. Invoices should be addressed to the parent(s) and not the child(ren).

Charging. 12.1 15.1 Government funding is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of free, EEF high quality, flexible childcarechildcare places. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours or additional services. 12.2 Providers 15.2 The provider can charge for meals and snacks as part of a free the EEF entitlement place and they can also charge for consumables such as nappies or sun cream and for services such as trips and yogamusical tuition. These Parents should therefore expect to pay for these, although these charges must be voluntary for the parent. Where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers who choose to offer the free EEF entitlements are responsible for setting their own policy on how to respond, with options including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers should be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 Providers 15.3 The Provider should deliver the free EEF entitlements consistently so that all children accessing any of the free EEF entitlements will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals or consumables. 12.4 Together for Children will 15.4 The Local Authority should not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free EEF place. The provider Provider should be completely transparent about any additional charges. 12.5 Providers should 15.5 The Provider must publish their admissions criteria and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free provisiontheir EEF entitlement. Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers the Provider should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, possible the pattern of hours is are convenient for parents’ working hours. 12.6 Providers 15.6 The Provider can charge parents a deposit to secure their child’s funded an EEF place for three and four year old children but should refund the deposit in full to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings should refund the deposit only , and no later than 4 weeks after the census has taken place in which the child has been included and funding has been paid to the setting. If a parent withdraws the child prior to the census the deposit will not be refunded. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a deposittaken up their EEF place. 12.7 Providers 15.7 The Provider cannot charge parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a providerthe Provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority Local Authority to deliver free EEF places) or require parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free EEF place. The Provider must ensure they show the funded hours at a £0 charge on the parent's invoice before any charges for additional hours/services are made. 12.8 Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 Providers 15.8 The Provider should ensure their invoices and receipts are clear, transparent and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free EEF entitlement completely free of charge and understand fees paid for additional hours and serviceshours. The provider Provider will also ensure that receipts contain the provider’s their full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific providerProvider. Copies of invoices issued to parents should be retained for a minimum period of 6 years for auditing and verification purposes, as outlined in clauses 17.2 and 17.6. 15.9 The Provider cannot ask the parent to pay for their child's EEF place in advance and be refunded at a later date e.g. when the Provider receives the funding for their child's EEF place from the Local Authority. 15.10 The Provider must ensure that EEF places are delivered completely free of charge to the parent and other than deposit fees as outlined in clause 15.6, the Provider cannot ask the parent to pay any fee associated with accessing their child's EEF entitlements (e.g. uniform fee, administration costs associated with stretching or banking EEF hours, fees for offering the EEF places flexibly etc.) 15.11 The Provider cannot use EEF funding to offset any outstanding fees a parent has accrued as a result of any non-funded hours or additional services delivered by the Provider.

Charging. 12.1 16.1 Government funding is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of free, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours hours, or additional services. 12.2 Providers a. The provider can charge for meals and snacks as part of a providing the free entitlement place entitlements and they can also charge for consumables such as nappies or sun cream and for services such as trips and yogamusical tuition. These Parents should therefore expect to pay for these additional charges, however additional charges must be voluntary for the parent. Where . b. Providers offering the free entitlements must have a policy on how to respond where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers who choose to offer the free entitlements are responsible for setting their own policy on how to respond, with options including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers should be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 Providers 16.2 The provider should deliver the free entitlements consistently so that all children accessing any of the free entitlements will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals meals, or consumables. 12.4 Together for Children 16.3 BFC will not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free place. The provider should be completely transparent about any additional charges. 12.5 16.4 Providers should must publish their admissions criteria and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free provisionprovision and where additional charges will apply. Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, possible the pattern patterns of hours is are convenient for parents’ working hours. 12.6 Providers 16.5 To give providers certainty that a parent will take up a place, providers can charge parents a deposit to secure their child’s funded place but should free place. Where a child is accessing a free entitlement only place, providers must refund the deposit in full to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings should refund 6 weeks of the deposit only after the census has taken place in which the child has been included and funding has been paid to the settingchild’s start date. If a parent withdraws fails to take up their place the provider is not obliged to refund the deposit. Providers should consider, in consultation with Bracknell Forest Council, the best interest of the child prior to the census the and individual circumstances when deciding whether a deposit will not be refundedcharged or retained. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a depositThis is particularly relevant for funded two year olds. 12.7 16.6 Providers canmust not charge parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority Local Authority to deliver free places) or require parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free placeplace in line with the Statutory Guidance from the Department for Education (June 2018). 12.8 16.7 Providers should not charge or accept money from must provide parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 Providers should ensure their with invoices and receipts which are clear, transparent transparent, and itemised, allowing . Allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement entitlements completely free of charge charge, and understand fees paid charged for additional hours and serviceshours. The provider will Providers should also ensure that receipts receipts/invoices contain the provider’s their full details and are dated so that they can be identified as coming from a specific providerprovider and covering a specific period.

Charging. 12.1 16.1 Government funding is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of free, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours or additional services. 12.2 Providers 16.2 The provider can charge for meals and snacks as part of a free entitlement place and they can also charge for consumables such as nappies or sun cream and for services such as trips and yogamusical tuition. These Parents should therefore expect to pay for these, although these charges must be voluntary for the parent. Where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers who choose to offer the free entitlements are responsible for setting their own policy on how to respond, with options including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers should be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 Providers 16.3 The provider should deliver the free entitlements consistently so that all children accessing any of the free entitlements will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals or consumables. 12.4 Together for Children 16.4 BFC will not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free place. The provider should be completely transparent about any additional charges. 12.5 16.5 Providers should must publish their admissions criteria and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free provisionprovision and where additional charges will apply. Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, possible the pattern patterns of hours is are convenient for parents’ working hours. 12.6 Providers 16.6 To give providers certainty that a parent will take up a place for a 3 or 4 year old, providers can charge parents a deposit to secure their child’s funded free place but should must refund the deposit in full to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings should refund 6 weeks of the deposit only after the census has taken place in which the child has been included and funding has been paid to the settingchild’s start date. If a parent withdraws fails to take up their place the child prior provider is not obliged to refund the census the deposit will deposit. Deposits must not be refunded. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a depositcharged for funded 2 year old places. 12.7 16.7 Providers canmust not charge parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority Local Authority to deliver free places) or require parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free place. 12.8 Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 16.8 Providers should ensure their invoices and receipts are clear, transparent and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement entitlements completely free of charge and understand fees paid charged for additional hours and serviceshours. The provider will Providers should also ensure that receipts receipts/invoices contain the provider’s their full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific provider.

Charging. 12.1 The Provider shall: 10.1 Government funding is intended to cover the cost made available to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of free, high quality, flexible childcarechildcare free to parents / carers. It The funding is not intended to be used to cover the cost costs of meals, consumables, any additional hours or additional services. 12.2 Providers . Parents can charge choose to purchase additional hours of provision, additional services and consumables, but the provider cannot impose restrictions or hamper the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free place. Any charges for meals additional hours, services and snacks consumables should be made clear to the parent as part of their decision to take up the place. It must be made clear that paying these charges are not a requirement to accessing a free entitlement place and they can also charge for consumables such as nappies or sun cream and for services such as trips and yogaplace. These charges must (The Provider acknowledges that it shall be voluntary for the parent. Where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers who choose to offer the free entitlements are responsible for setting their its own policy on how to respond, with including options including for waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers should be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parentsmeals or consumables, where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables). 12.3 Providers should deliver 10.2 Deliver the free entitlements consistently so that all children accessing any of the free entitlements will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals or consumables. 12.4 Together 10.3 Publish, in hard media and make available to all clients, its admissions’ criteria and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free provision before parents apply and accept a place. (It is acknowledged that not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible the pattern of hours are convenient for Children parents’ working hours). 10.4 If charging parents a deposit to secure their child’s free place, refund the deposit in full to parents by the claim date in the term in which the place is taken up. (The Provider’s attention is drawn to the fact that the practice of charging deposits for funded 2-year-old places is discouraged). 10.5 Not charge parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a Provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the Council to deliver free places). Providers must not treat the funding as a discount on invoices or require parents to pay a registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free place. 10.6 Ensure their invoices and receipts are clear, transparent and itemized, allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement completely free of charge. Funded hours should be taken off the total hours before calculating the cost of additional hours. The invoice should be clear for parents to understand fees paid for any additional hours. The provider will not also ensure that receipts contain their full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific provider. An example is to be found here sample template invoice 10.7 Not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free place. The place and the provider should be has been completely transparent about any additional charges. 12.5 Providers should publish their admissions criteria and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free provision. Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, the pattern of hours is convenient for parents’ working hours. 12.6 Providers can charge parents a deposit to secure their child’s funded place but should refund the deposit in full to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings should refund the deposit only after the census has taken place in which the child has been included and funding has been paid to the setting. If a parent withdraws the child prior to the census the deposit will not be refunded. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a deposit. 12.7 Providers cannot charge parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority to deliver free places) or require parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free place. 12.8 Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 Providers should ensure their invoices and receipts are clear, transparent and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement completely free of charge and understand fees paid for additional hours and services. The provider will also ensure that receipts contain the provider’s full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific provider.

Charging. 12.1 Government The government funding is intended to cover the full cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of free, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours hours, or additional services. 12.2 . Providers can charge for meals and snacks as part of a free entitlement an Early Years Entitlement place and they can also charge for consumables such as nappies or sun cream cream, and for additional services such as trips and yogaactivities. These Parents can therefore be expected to pay for these, although these charges must be voluntary for the parentparent and not be a condition of accessing their Early Years Entitlement place. Where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers who choose to offer the free entitlements Early Years Entitlement are responsible for setting their own policy on how to respond, with options including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers should be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 families. Providers should deliver the free entitlements Early Years Entitlement consistently so that all children accessing any of the free entitlements will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals meals, or consumables. 12.4 Together . Providers should make all their charges clear in a Fee Structure and ensure that parents are aware of any charges for Children additional services before they take up their Early Years Entitlement place. Wiltshire Council will not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s parents’ ability to take up their child’s free Early Years Entitlement place. The provider Providers should be completely transparent about any additional charges. 12.5 . Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) must be treated fairly and equally with reasonable adjustments made as set out in Sections 20 and 21 of the Equalities Act 2010’. Providers must not charge parents additional fees to support a child with SEND. Providers should publish their admissions criteria ensuring it is clear and ensure parents available to all parents, so they can understand which hours/sessions hours can be taken as free Early Years Entitlement provision. Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, possible the pattern of hours is are convenient for parents’ working hours. 12.6 . Providers can charge parents a deposit to secure their child’s funded Early Years Entitlement place but should must refund the deposit in full to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings should refund Wiltshire Council’s recommendation is the end of a half term or within six weeks of a child’s start. However, the charging of a deposit only after the census has taken place in which the child has been included and funding has been paid to the setting. If a parent withdraws the child prior to the census the deposit will must not be refundeda barrier to a child accessing their Early Years Entitlement hours. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a deposit. 12.7 Providers cannot charge parents “‘top-up” ’ fees (the difference between a provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority Wiltshire Council to deliver free Early Years Entitlement places) or require parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free Early Years Entitlement place. 12.8 Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 . Providers should ensure their invoices and receipts are clear, transparent transparent, and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement completely free of charge full Early Years Entitlement and understand fees paid for additional hours and or services. The provider will also ensure that invoices and receipts contain the provider’s their full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific provider. The early years entitlement is an entitlement in hours, not a monetary value to be deducted from a childcare provider’s bill or as a discounted item on an invoice.

Charging. 12.1 ‌ 16.1 Government funding is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of free, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours hours, or additional services. 12.2 Providers a. The provider can charge for meals and snacks as part of a providing the free entitlement place entitlements and they can also charge for consumables such as nappies or sun cream and for services such as trips and yogamusical tuition. These Parents should therefore expect to pay for these additional charges, however additional charges must be voluntary for the parent. Where . b. Providers offering the free entitlements must have a policy on how to respond where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers who choose to offer the free entitlements are responsible for setting their own policy on how to respond, with options including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers should be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 Providers 16.2 The provider should deliver the free entitlements consistently so that all children accessing any of the free entitlements will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals meals, or consumables. 12.4 Together for Children 16.3 BFC will not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free place. The provider should be completely transparent about any additional charges.’s 12.5 16.4 Providers should must publish their admissions criteria and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free provisionprovision and where additional charges will apply. Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, possible the pattern patterns of hours is are convenient for parents’ working hours. 12.6 Providers 16.5 To give providers certainty that a parent will take up a place, providers can charge parents a deposit to secure their child’s funded place but should free place. Where a child is accessing a free entitlement only place, providers must refund the deposit in full to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings should refund 6 weeks of the deposit only after the census has taken place in which the child has been included and funding has been paid to the settingchild’s start date. If a parent withdraws fails to take up their place the provider is not obliged to refund the deposit. Providers should consider, in consultation with Bracknell Forest Council, the best interest of the child prior to the census the and individual circumstances when deciding whether a deposit will not be refundedcharged or retained. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a depositThis is particularly relevant for funded two year olds. 12.7 16.6 Providers canmust not charge parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority Local Authority to deliver free places) or require parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free place.place in line with the Statutory Guidance from the Department for Education (June 2018).‌ 12.8 16.7 Providers should not charge or accept money from must provide parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 Providers should ensure their with invoices and receipts which are clear, transparent transparent, and itemised, allowing . Allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement entitlements completely free of charge charge, and understand fees paid charged for additional hours and serviceshours. The provider will Providers should also ensure that receipts receipts/invoices contain the provider’s their full details and are dated so that they can be identified as coming from a specific providerprovider and covering a specific period.

Charging. 12.1 Providers must have a clear and transparent charging policy. This must explain all charges that will apply whether or not a child is in receipt of a funded place. This is so that a parent or carer can understand what their charges are likely to be if they opt to purchase additional hours or services or if their child who is fee paying then qualifies for a funded place. Government funding is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of freefunded, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours or additional services. 12.2 . Providers can charge for for:  meals and snacks as part of a free entitlement funded place and they can also charge for  consumables such as nappies or sun cream and for  services such as trips A provider cannot charge parents or carers any additional fees specifically for the funded hours delivered over and yogaabove that funding received from NCC. These charges must be voluntary for the parentparent or carer. Where parents or carers are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers who choose to offer the free entitlements funded places are responsible for setting their own policy on how to respond, with options including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents or carers to supply their own meals/snacks. Providers should be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 Providers should deliver the free entitlements consistently so that all children Children within a setting accessing any of the free entitlements will funded places must receive the same quality and access to provision, provision regardless of whether or not they opt to pay for optional additional hours, services, meals or consumables. 12.4 Together for Children will . Providers must be clear and transparent and explain fully to parents or carers about the days and times that they offer funded places, along with their services and all other charges. NCC should not intervene where parents or carers choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s parents or carers ability to take up their child’s free funded place. The provider Providers should be completely transparent about any additional charges. 12.5 Providers should publish their admissions criteria charges and ensure explain these in full to parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free provisionor carers. Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, the pattern of hours is convenient for parents’ working hours. 12.6 Providers can charge ask parents or carers for a voluntary deposit to secure their child’s funded place but should refund the any deposit in full to parents or carers within 2 weeks of a reasonable time scalechild starting a funded place. Settings should refund the Parents or carers who do not wish to pay a voluntary deposit only after the census has taken place in which the child has been included and funding has been paid to the setting. If a parent withdraws the child prior to the census the deposit will must not be refundeddiscriminated against. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a deposit. 12.7 Providers cannot charge parents or carers any form of “top-up” fees (the difference between a provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority NCC to deliver free funded places) or require parents or carers to pay a non-refundable registration fee or deposit as a condition of taking up their child’s free funded place. 12.8 . Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 Providers should must ensure their invoices and receipts receipts;  are clear, transparent and itemised, allowing parents or carers to see that they have received their free entitlement completely free of charge funded place and understand fees paid for additional hours and services. The provider will also ensure that receipts  contain the provider’s their full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific providerprovider NCC make funding payments based on the information supplied by Providers. Any inaccurate or incomplete submissions of data will result in inaccurate or incomplete payment. Providers agree to:  accurately complete and submit mandatory Headcount Tasks and other necessary data returns by the agreed date to ensure NCC are able to make payment.  reimburse NCC for any overpayment of funding in respect of funded places and any additional funding such as Deprivation, Disability Access Fund (DAF), EYPP and High Needs funding no matter how the overpayment may have occurred; to supply NCC with information requested to allow them to make payments to the Provider for the provision of funded places and the (EYPP). Providers will offer all eligible funded children up to 570 funded hours per child’s year or 1140 hours specifically for the 30 hours funding per child’s year split into 3 Funding Blocks as follows: Summer Funding Block: 1st April to 31st August – to be age eligible for the Xxxxxx Xxxxx a child will need to be 3 years old on or before the 31st March to start a funded place on the 1st April Autumn Block: 1st September to 31st December – to be age eligible for the Autumn Block a child will need to be 3 years old on or before the 31st August to start a funded place on the 1st September Spring Block: 1st January to 31st March – to be age eligible for the Spring Block a child will need to be 3 years old on or before the 31st December to start a funded place on the 1st January A child’s funding year starts the first full funding block following their 2nd Birthday for 2 year funding or their 3rd Birthday for Universal and 30 hours extended funding. In each funding block, NCC set the amount of hours available Summer Funding Block: 242 hours MAXIMUM Autumn Funding Block: 222 hours MAXIMUM Spring Funding Block: 180 hours MAXIMUM It is the responsibility of providers to determine the amount of weeks they are open for and hours they will be claiming for in each Funding Block that does not exceed the maximum amount of hours given. For Financial year 2019/2020 the following guide must be used when offering and claiming funding. Any claims over these amounts may be rejected by the system and could cause a delay in payments. 38 Weeks 15 hours a week 13 weeks 205 hours 48 Weeks Approx 12 hours 17 weeks 210 hours 51 Weeks Approx 11 hours 22 weeks 242 hours 38 Weeks 15 hours a week 13 weeks 205 hours 48 Weeks Approx 12 hours 16 weeks 200 hours 51 Weeks Approx 11 hours 16 weeks 185 hours 38 Weeks 15 hours a week 12 weeks 160 hours 48 Weeks Approx 12 hours 12 weeks 160 hours 51 Weeks Approx 11 hours 13 weeks 143 hours Any provider operating and registered as a Childminder understands that in accordance with section 20 of the 2006 Childcare Act, Childminders are not permitted to claim funding for their own children, step-children or any related children. If a child attends two eligible Early Years providers each week both providers must share information and agree the claims to be made. If a duplicate claim is made NCC will apportion the claim in the fairest way possible.

Charging. 12.1 Government funding is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of free, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours or additional services.The Provider shall: 12.2 Providers can charge 10.1 Only make voluntary charges for meals and snacks as part of a free entitlement place and they can also charge for consumables (such as nappies or sun cream and for services such as trips and yoga). These charges must (The Provider acknowledges that it shall be voluntary for the parent. Where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers who choose to offer the free entitlements are responsible for setting their its own policy on how to respond, with including options including waiving waiving, or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers should be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents, where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables). 12.3 Providers should deliver 10.2 Deliver the free entitlements consistently so that all children accessing any of the free entitlements will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals or consumables. 12.4 Together 10.3 Publish its admissions’ criteria and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free provision. (It is acknowledged that not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible the pattern of hours are convenient for Children parents’ working hours). 10.4 If charging parents a deposit to secure their child’s free place, refund the deposit in full to parents by the claim date in the term in which the place is taken up. (The Provider’s attention is drawn to the fact the practice of charging of deposits for funded 2 year old places is a discouraged practice). 10.5 Not charge parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a Provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the Council to deliver free places) or require parents to pay a registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free place. 10.6 Ensure their invoices and receipts are clear, transparent and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement completely free of charge and understand fees paid for additional hours. The provider will not also ensure that receipts contain their full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific provider. 10.7 Not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free place. (The provider should must be completely transparent about any additional charges). 12.5 Providers should publish their admissions criteria and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free provision. Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, the pattern of hours is convenient for parents’ working hours. 12.6 Providers can charge parents a deposit to secure their child’s funded place but should refund the deposit in full to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings should refund the deposit only after the census has taken place in which the child has been included and funding has been paid to the setting. If a parent withdraws the child prior to the census the deposit will not be refunded. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a deposit. 12.7 Providers cannot charge parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority to deliver free places) or require parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free place. 12.8 Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 Providers should ensure their invoices and receipts are clear, transparent and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement completely free of charge and understand fees paid for additional hours and services. The provider will also ensure that receipts contain the provider’s full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific provider.

Charging. 12.1 Government funding is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of free, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours or additional services. 12.2 Providers The provider can charge for meals and snacks as part of a free entitlement place and they can also charge for consumables such as nappies or sun cream and for services such as trips and yogamusical tuition. These Parents should therefore expect to pay for these, although these charges must be voluntary for the parent. . 12.3 Where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers who choose to offer the free entitlements are responsible for setting their own policy on how to respond, with options including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers should be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 Providers 12.4 The provider should deliver the free entitlements consistently so that all children accessing any of the free entitlements will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals or consumables. 12.4 Together for Children will 12.5 Gloucestershire County Council should not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free place. . 12.6 The provider should be completely transparent about any additional charges. 12.5 Providers should publish their admissions criteria and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free provision. Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, possible the pattern patterns of hours is are convenient for parents’ working hours. 12.6 Providers 12.7 The provider can charge parents a deposit to secure their child’s funded free place but should refund the deposit in full to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings should refund It is at the deposit only after the census has taken place in which the child has been included and funding has been paid to the setting. If a parent withdraws the child prior to the census the deposit will not be refunded. Parents must be informed of this provider's discretion if providers decide they want to charge a depositregistration fee for a child accessing over and above their free entitlement. 12.7 Providers 12.8 The provider cannot charge parents “top-up” fees (the any difference between a provider’s usual fee normal charge to parents and the funding they receive from the local authority Gloucestershire County Council to deliver free places) or require invoice parents in advance then deduct the funding once it has been received. Parents must not be required to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free place. 12.8 Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 Providers The provider should ensure their invoices and receipts are clear, transparent and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement completely free of charge and understand fees paid for additional hours hours. 12.10 Providers must ensure they have their own debt policy in place to recover fees for non eligible 2 year olds and services. The provider will also ensure that receipts contain the provider’s full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific provider30 hour codes.

Charging. 12.1 Government 4.1 The Early Years Entitlement (EYE) hours must be free to parents at the point of delivery. In each funding is intended to cover period providers must deduct hours not the cost to deliver 15 or 30 monetary value from invoices. This method ensures that families are not being charged “top up” for their funded hours. Whatever hours a week are claimed and paid for within the funding period, the same number of free, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover hours must be deducted from the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours or additional servicesinvoices for the same timeframe. 12.2 4.2 Families must not be charged for the monetary difference between the funded rate and the fee-paying rate. Providers must ensure that they are completely transparent about any additional charges. Providers can charge for meals and snacks as part of a free entitlement place and they can also charge for meals, snacks, consumables such as nappies or nappies, wipes and sun cream cream, and for additional services such as trips trips, specialist tuition, pick up and drop-offs, swimming, and yoga. These charges must be voluntary for the parent, and not as a condition of taking up a place. All service charges must be clearly itemised on invoices and fees policies. 4.3 Where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and meals, consumables, providers who choose and additional services, an alternative should be offered to offer the free entitlements parents. Providers are responsible for setting their own policy on how to respond, with options including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers should Please be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 4.4 Providers should must deliver the free entitlements consistently so that all children accessing any of the free entitlements will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional additional hours, services, meals or consumables. 12.4 Together for Children 4.5 The Local Authority will not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free early years entitlement place. The provider should be completely transparent about any additional charges. 12.5 4.6 Providers should must publish their admissions criteria and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free early years entitlement provision. Not all providers will It is the providers’ responsibility to set their admissions and fees policies. Providers cannot place conditions on accessing entitlement places on parents in their admissions policies. 4.7 Parents should not be charged if the provider is not able to offer fully flexible placesa service due to planned closure. If the setting is open but it is parental choice not to access the setting, but then they can be charged or entitlement hours claimed as long as this is stated in the provider’s fees policy. It is recommended that providers should work with consider spreading their costs across the year so that parents to ensure that as far as possibleare not charged for bank holidays, the pattern of hours is convenient for parents’ working hoursor INSET training days. 12.6 Providers can charge parents a deposit to secure their child’s funded place but should refund the deposit in full to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings should refund the deposit only after the census has taken place in which the child has been included and funding has been paid to the setting. If a parent withdraws the child prior to the census the deposit will not be refunded. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a deposit. 12.7 4.8 Providers cannot charge parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority to deliver free places) or require parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up or booking fee to parents accessing only their child’s free early years entitlement place. 12.8 4.9 Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 Providers should ensure their invoices and receipts are clear, transparent and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement completely free of charge and understand fees paid for additional hours and services. The provider will must also ensure that receipts and invoices contain the provider’s their full business details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific provider. 4.10 Invoices must be issued for all children regardless of whether fees are due or whether there is a nil balance. 4.11 Providers should be mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged families. The Early Years Pupil Premium provides additional funding to providers to support disadvantaged three and four year olds (See Section 10). 4.12 In exceptional circumstances where a child is off for a significant period because of illness e.g. more than four weeks, funding may still be claimed subject to agreement from the Entitlements team.

Charging. 12.1 ‌ 16.1 Government funding is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of free, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours hours, or additional services. 12.2 Providers a. The provider can charge for meals and snacks as part of a providing the free entitlement place entitlements and they can also charge for consumables such as nappies or sun cream and for services such as trips and yogamusical tuition. These Parents should therefore expect to pay for these additional charges, however additional charges must be voluntary for the parent. Where . b. Providers offering the free entitlements must have a policy on how to respond where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers who choose to offer the free entitlements are responsible for setting their own policy on how to respond, with options including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers should be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 Providers 16.2 The provider should deliver the free entitlements consistently so that all children accessing any of the free entitlements will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals or consumables. 12.4 Together for Children 16.3 BFC will not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free place. The provider should be completely transparent about any additional charges. 12.5 16.4 Providers should must publish their admissions criteria and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free provisionprovision and where additional charges will apply. Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, possible the pattern patterns of hours is are convenient for parents’ working hours. 12.6 Providers 16.5 To give providers certainty that a parent will take up a place, providers can charge parents a deposit to secure their child’s funded place but should free place. Where a child is accessing a free entitlement only place, providers must refund the deposit in full to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings should refund 6 weeks of the deposit only after the census has taken place in which the child has been included and funding has been paid to the settingchild’s start date. If a parent withdraws fails to take up their place the provider is not obliged to refund the deposit. Providers should consider, in consultation with Bracknell Forest Council, the best interest of the child prior to the census the and individual circumstances when deciding whether a deposit will not be refundedcharged or retained. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a depositThis is particularly relevant for funded two year olds. 12.7 16.6 Providers canmust not charge parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority Local Authority to deliver free places) or require parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free placeplace in line with the Statutory Guidance from the Department for Education (June 2018). 12.8 16.7 Providers should not charge or accept money from must provide parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 Providers should ensure their with invoices and receipts which are clear, transparent transparent, and itemised, allowing . Allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement entitlements completely free of charge charge, and understand fees paid charged for additional hours and serviceshours. The provider will Providers should also ensure that receipts receipts/invoices contain the provider’s their full details and are dated so that they can be identified as coming from a specific providerprovider and covering a specific period.

Charging. 12.1 Government funding is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of free, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, other consumables, additional hours or additional services. 12.2 Providers The provider can charge for meals and snacks as part of a free entitlement place and they can also charge for consumables such as nappies or sun cream and for services such as trips and yogamusical tuition. These charges must Providers should be voluntary for mindful of the parent. impact of additional charges, especially on the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 Where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers who choose to offer the free entitlements are responsible for setting their own policy on how to respond, providing parents with options for alternatives to additional charges, including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers should be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 Providers 12.4 The provider should deliver the free entitlements consistently so that all eligible children accessing any of the free entitlements them will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals or consumables. 12.4 Together for Children will 12.5 The local authority should not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing provided that this does is not affect a condition of accessing the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free placeentitlement. The provider should be completely completed transparent about any additional charges. 12.5 Providers 12.6 The provider should publish their admissions criteria and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free provision. Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, possible the pattern of hours is are convenient for parents’ working hours. 12.6 Providers 12.7 The provider can charge parents a deposit to secure their child’s funded free place but should refund the deposit in full to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings Providers should refund be mindful of the impact of deposit only after charges on the census has taken place in which the child has been included and funding has been paid to the setting. If a parent withdraws the child prior to the census the deposit will not be refunded. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a depositmost disadvantaged parents. 12.7 Providers 12.8 The provider cannot charge parents “top-up” fees (the any difference between a provider’s usual fee normal charge to parents and the funding they receive from the local authority to deliver free places) or require parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free place. 12.8 Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 Providers The provider should ensure their invoices and receipts are clear, transparent and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement completely free of charge and understand fees paid for additional hours and serviceshours. The provider will also ensure that receipts contain the provider’s their full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific provider.

Charging. 12.1 ‌ 16.1 Early years entitlement places must be delivered ‘free of charge’. Providers must not: • Charge parents “top up fees” (charge a fee for the difference between funding received and standard hourly rates) • Use the entitlements to ‘discount’ fees. (funding received from the Council is deducted from the standard hourly rate) • Require parents to pay a registration fee as a condition of accessing an entitlement only place 16.2 Providers must not attach conditions to accessing the entitlements. For example, compulsory additional hours, compulsory additional sessions, or compulsory additional services. 16.3 Bracknell Forest Council will not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing this does not affect the parent’s ability to take up their child’s entitlement place. 16.4 The entitlements are for hours of childcare. The entitlements do not have a monetary value for parents and must not be represented to parents as a monetary subsidy. Parents do not need to know, or have a right to know, the funding rate providers receive from the Council. 16.5 Government funding is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of free, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours hours, or additional services. 12.2 16.6 Providers can charge for meals and snacks as part of a free entitlement place providing the entitlements and they can also charge for consumables such as nappies or sun cream cream, and for services such as trips and yogaspecialist tuition. These charges must be voluntary for the parent. Where parents are unable or unwilling Parents should therefore expect to pay for meals and consumablesthese additional charges. 16.7 Providers may charge parents for administration costs incurred to open portal tasks, outside of the scheduled dates, however providers who choose to offer must ensure parents are aware of this cost before the free task is opened. 16.8 Providers offering the entitlements are responsible for setting their own a policy on how to respond, providing parents with options for alternatives to additional charges including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own mealsmeals or nappies. Providers should be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 16.9 Providers should deliver the free entitlements consistently so that all children accessing any of the free entitlements will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals meals, or consumables. 12.4 Together 16.10 Providers must be completely transparent about additional charges when a parent first takes up their child’s entitlement place, for Children will not intervene where example, for those parents choose opting to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services. 16.11 To give providers certainty that a parent will take up a place, providing that providers can charge parents a deposit to secure their child’s entitlement place, but should consider if this does not affect will prevent take up, especially for disadvantaged families. Where a child is accessing an entitlement only place, providers must refund the parentdeposit in full to parents within 6 weeks of the child’s ability start date. If a parent fails to take up their child’s free place. The place the provider should be completely transparent about any additional chargesis not obliged to refund the deposit. 12.5 16.12 Providers should must publish their admissions criteria and any fees for consumables, additional hours and services and make these easily available to parents to enable parents to make an informed choice of provider. 16.13 Providers must ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free provisionpart of the entitlement provision and where additional charges will apply. Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, possible the pattern patterns of hours is are convenient for parents’ parent’s working hours. 12.6 16.14 Providers can charge must issue parents a deposit to secure their child’s funded place but should refund the deposit in full to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings should refund the deposit only after the census has taken place in which the child has been included and funding has been paid to the setting. If a parent withdraws the child prior to the census the deposit will not be refunded. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a deposit. 12.7 Providers cannot charge parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority to deliver free places) or require parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free place. 12.8 Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 Providers should ensure their with invoices and receipts which are clear, transparent transparent, and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement entitlements completely free of charge charge, and understand fees paid charged for additional hours and or services. The provider will also ensure that receipts Receipts and invoices must contain the provider’s full details and be dated so that they can be identified as coming from a specific providerprovider and covering a specific period. Invoices should be addressed to the parent(s) and not the child(ren).

Charging. 12.1 14.1 Government funding is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of freefunded, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours or additional services. 12.2 Providers 14.2 The Provider can charge for meals and snacks as part of a free funded entitlement place and they can also charge for consumables such as nappies or sun cream and for services such as trips and yoga. These charges must be voluntary for the parent. Where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers who choose to offer the free funded entitlements are responsible for setting their own policy on how to respond, with options including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. Providers should be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parents. 12.3 Providers 14.3 The Provider should deliver the free funded entitlements consistently so that all children accessing any of the free funded entitlements will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals or consumables. 12.4 Together for Children will 14.4 The Local Authority shall not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free funded place. The provider should Provider shall be completely transparent about any additional charges. 12.5 Providers should 14.5 The Provider shall publish their admissions criteria and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free funded provision. Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers should the Provider shall work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, possible the pattern of hours is are convenient for parents’ working hours. 12.6 Providers 14.6 The Provider can charge parents a deposit to secure their child’s funded place but should shall refund the deposit in full to parents within a reasonable time scaleNottinghamshire County Council Provider Agreement Revised June 2018 pg. Settings should refund the deposit only 11 scale (which shall be after the census has taken place in which the child has been included as attending the Provider setting and funding has been paid to the setting. If a parent withdraws the child prior to the census the deposit will not be refunded. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a depositrecorded in their headcount return). 12.7 Providers 14.7 The Provider cannot charge parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority to deliver free funded places) or require parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free funded place. 12.8 Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 Providers should 14.8 The Provider shall ensure their invoices and receipts are clear, transparent and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free funded entitlement completely free of charge and understand fees paid for additional hours and serviceshours. The provider Provider will also ensure that receipts contain the provider’s their full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific provider. The Provider shall not represent the funded entitlement to parents on any invoice as a monetary subsidy or discounted place.

Charging. 12.1 13.1. Government funding is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of free, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours or additional services. 12.2 Providers 13.2. The Provider can charge for meals and snacks as part of a free entitlement place and they can also charge for consumables such as nappies or sun cream and for services such as trips and yoga. These charges must be voluntary optional for the parent. Where parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers who choose to offer the free entitlements are responsible for setting their own policy on how to respond, with options including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents to supply their own meals. The Early Years Entitlements Operational Guidance provides clarification on the written agreement that Providers should be particularly mindful of the impact of additional charges on the most disadvantaged parentshave in place. 12.3 Providers 13.3. The Provider should deliver the free entitlements consistently so that all children accessing any of the free entitlements will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals or consumables. 12.4 Together for Children will not intervene where 13.4. Where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free place, SCC will not intervene. The provider should be completely transparent about any additional charges. 12.5 Providers 13.5. The Provider should publish their admissions criteria and ensure parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free provision. Not all providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, but providers should work with parents to ensure that as far as possible, possible the pattern of hours is are convenient for parents’ working hours. 12.6 Providers 13.6. The Provider can charge parents a deposit to secure their child’s funded free place but should refund the deposit in full to parents within a reasonable time scale. Settings should refund the deposit only after the census has taken place in which the child has been included and funding has been paid to the setting. If a parent withdraws the child prior to the census the deposit will not be refunded. Parents must be informed The detail of this if providers decide charge should be made available to charge a depositparents. 12.7 Providers 13.7. The Provider cannot charge parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority SCC to deliver free places) or require parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free place. 12.8 Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 Providers 13.8. The Provider should ensure their invoices and receipts are clear, transparent and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement completely free of charge and understand fees paid for additional hours and serviceshours. The provider will also ensure that receipts contain the provider’s their full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific provider.

Charging. The Local Authority: 12.1 Will not intervene where Parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free place, as there is an expectation a Provider is completely transparent about any additional charges. 12.2 Recognises that Government funding for the free entitlements is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of free, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours or additional services. 12.2 12.3 May consider implementing a charging policy for late submission of claims. This is currently under review and further details will be communicated to Providers can when a final decision is made. The Provider: 12.4 Is expected to ensure that the funding it receives from the Local Authority for the free entitlements is used to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of free, high quality, flexible childcare. 12.5 Can charge for meals and snacks as part of a free entitlement place and they can also charge for consumables (such as nappies or nappies, sun cream and for services such as cream, trips and yogaetc.). These charges must be voluntary for the parentParent and cannot be a condition of accessing a funded place. Where parents Parents are unable or unwilling to pay for meals and consumables, providers Providers who choose to offer the free entitlements entitlement places are responsible for setting their own policy on how to respond, with options including waiving or reducing the cost of meals and snacks or allowing parents Parents to supply their own mealsown. Providers should be particularly mindful must offer alternative options for Parents within their policy. 12.6 Providers must ensure Parents are fully informed of the impact of cost for any additional meals, consumables and hours they choose to take prior to commencing their funded place, additional charges on the most disadvantaged parentscannot be presented to Parents after their place has commenced. 12.3 Providers 12.7 Independent Schools must also ensure that any charges are voluntary to Parents; therefore, allowing for the option of a free place should a parent wish. This may result in waiving the registration fee and uniform charges until a child reaches compulsory school age. 12.8 Is expected to deliver the free entitlements consistently so that all children accessing any of the free entitlements will receive the same quality and access to provision, regardless of whether they opt to pay for optional hours, services, meals or consumables. 12.4 Together for Children will not intervene where parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision or additional services, providing that this does not affect the parent’s ability to take up their child’s free place. The provider should be completely transparent about any additional charges. 12.5 Providers should 12.9 Must publish their admissions criteria and ensure parents Parents understand which hours/sessions can be taken as free provision. Not all providers Providers will be able to offer fully flexible places, places but providers Providers should work with parents Parents to ensure that as far as possible, possible the pattern of hours is are convenient for parentsParents’ working hours. 12.6 Providers can 12.10 Must publish within their admissions criteria and with Families Information Service (FIS) how many places they offer as free of charge parents only places and the criteria on how these places will be filled (for example first come first served, children with SEN etc). 12.11 Can charge Parents a deposit to secure their child’s funded free place but should must refund the deposit in full to parents Parents within a reasonable time scalethe first two weeks of the place commencing. Settings should If Providers refund this through the Parent’s first invoice, then this must be completely clear to the parent. Providers can retain the deposit only after if the census has taken place in which is not commenced. Providers are encouraged to consider that the child has been included and funding has been paid to the setting. If a parent withdraws the child prior to the census the deposit will amount set should not be refunded. Parents must be informed of this if providers decide to charge a deposit. 12.7 Providers cannot charge parents “top-up” fees (the difference between a provider’s usual fee and the funding they receive from the local authority to deliver free places) or require parents to pay a non-refundable registration fee act as a condition of taking up their child’s barrier to accessing a free funded place. 12.8 Providers should not charge or accept money from parents for a free entitlement place and then reimburse them following receipt of funding. 12.9 Providers should ensure their invoices and receipts are clear, transparent and itemised, allowing parents to see that they have received their free entitlement completely free of charge and understand fees paid for additional hours and services. The provider will also ensure that receipts contain the provider’s full details so that they can be identified as coming from a specific provider.