Childcare Fees & Funding Options
Explore vital funding opportunities that support quality childcare for every child’s early development.
Understanding Fees & Funding
Understanding the cost of Early Education and Care, and what type of funding you are eligible for shouldn’t be confusing. That’s why we’ve put together this page to help.
Understanding Your Funding
Below are links to some information specifically on funding for 9 month, 2, 3 and 4 year olds.
Please contact your nursery via their pages here for more information. Our nurseries have many outstanding and unique qualities that are best seen for yourself, we recommend booking a visit to come and have a look and we can discuss funding and pricing options in person.
9 month old Funding:
If you’re a working parent with a child aged 9 months or older, you may be eligible for 30 hours of funded childcare per week for 38 weeks of the year which at Tops is up to 52 weeks stretched of the year at approximately 22 hours per week.
To apply, you’ll need to create a childcare account on the GOV.UK website. Once approved, you’ll receive an 11-digit code to provide to your childcare provider. Eligibility criteria include being in work or starting a new job, and earning over a certain amount.
Please note: We do not offer term-time only places.
2 year Old Funding:
If your child is 2 years old, there are funding options available to help with childcare costs.
Eligible 2-year-olds can receive up to 15 hours of funded childcare per week for 38 weeks of the year which at Tops is up to 52 weeks stretched at approximately 11 hours per week under the 2-Year-Olds Funding scheme. To qualify, children must meet certain criteria, including those in care, receiving Disability Living Allowance, or coming from families receiving benefits such. as Universal Credit with a household income below £26,500 (outside London) or £34,500 (within London).
If you are a working parent with a child aged 2 years or older, you may be eligible for 30 hours of funded childcare per week for 38 weeks of the year which at Tops is up to 52 weeks stretched at approximately 22 hours per week. To apply, you’ll need to create a childcare account on the GOV.UK website. Once approved, you’ll receive an 11-digit code to provide to your childcare provider. Eligibility criteria include being in work or starting a new job, and earning over a certain amount.
Please note: We do not offer term-time only places.
3 and 4 year Old Funding:
If your child is 3 or 4 years old, there are government funding options available to help with childcare costs.
All 3 and 4-year-olds are entitled to up to 15 hours of funded childcare per week for 38 weeks of the year which at Tops is up to 52 weeks stretched at approximately 11 hours per week, starting the term after their third birthday. This entitlement is available to all families, regardless of income or employment status.
Additionally, eligible working parents can access 30 hours of funded childcare per week for 38 weeks of the year which at Tops is up to 52 weeks at approximately 22 hours per week. To qualify, both parents (or the sole parent in a single- parent household) must be working and each earning at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week, but less than £100,000 per year.
Please note: We do not offer term-time only places.
Stretched Funding:
Tops Day Nurseries offer stretched funded early education for all children who qualify for funding from the term after they turn 9 months, 2 years, or 3 years, depending on eligibility to allow for continuity of care and education across the full year and meet the needs of working parents.
Please note: We do not offer term-time only places.
What funding are you eligible for?
To learn more about what funding you are eligible for, please click the button below:
Our fight for fairer funding
For many years, Tops Day Nurseries has championed fairer funding for the Early Years sector across the UK. We know that current funding rates don’t reflect the true cost of delivering high-quality, sustainable childcare, and we’re committed to ensuring every child and family receives the support they deserve. That’s why we continue to lead the call for funding that truly values early years education and its impact on brighter, greener futures
Why are we campaigning for fairer funding?
Want to contact your local MP? Click here to find out how!
In 2016, the Government announced unfair funding rates for children eligible to claim 15 hours funding. We have one of the most important jobs, caring for and educating children and shaping their young minds. The pressure and responsibility our staff have is extremely high, and yet we’re in one of the lowest paid sectors; one of things we would be able to rectify if we received the appropriate level of funding. The petition surpassed its target of 10,000 signatures by receiving 26,120 signatures! Our voices were beginning to be heard…
The fight continued following the launch of the 30 hours funding scheme by the Government in 2017, with the aim of giving more 3 & 4 year olds access to early education and supporting working parents.
It is a common misconception that when parents claim funding it allows for ‘Free childcare’. This misconception stems from the Government’s misleading advertising behind 2, 3 and 4 year old funding which is available through the local authority for eligible families.
At all of our Tops nurseries we provide high-quality Early Education and Care to our children, and we’re pleased that the Government’s 30-hours childcare policy, which was rolled out in 2017, means that more 3 and 4 year-olds can benefit from our services.
However, funding across the South Coast is less than the cost of delivery, and this puts our future at risk. This is why we continue to work with our local MP’s to campaign for a more sustainable future for childcare providers and parents.
What we have done so far?
Our Managing Director has played a crucial role in leading an APPG (All Party Parliamentary Group) to feedback the issues childcare providers and actively campaigns on behalf of the sector. Click here to take a look at some photos from one of our Lobby Days! You can also read Cheryl’s personal perspective on a previous APPG for Childcare and Early Education in Parliament here.
Local MP’s across the South and South West have been invited into Tops Day Nurseries settings to see what nursery life is like on the floor, whilst discussing funding and business rates with our managers and directors. Find out what MP Simon Hoare got up to during his pre-covid visit to Tops Gillingham here!
When day nurseries across the UK were struggling to pay for dwindling numbers of qualified staff, with underfunded government “free” places and parents finding day nursery fees increasingly unaffordable, Tops Day Nurseries launched a petition to highlight the unfair divide between nurseries business rates vs schools. Half the day nurseries in the country were already running at a loss yet nurseries were faced with local authorities really twisting the knife, increasing business rates by staggering amounts. The fight is still ongoing to refund the business rates and VAT just like schools!
Government Funding Update 2021/2022:
Challenges and Opportunities in Childcare
In addition to our journey, let’s dive into some important news about government funding in 2021/2022. On December 17, 2020, the government announced plans to increase the hourly funding rate starting from April 2021. They’ve added 8p per hour for 2-year-old places and 6p per hour for 3 and 4-year-old places.
However, our Managing Director, Cheryl Hadland, expressed her concerns regarding this increase. She pointed out, ‘My problem is that the pathetic increase will not fund the pay increases that we need to make for minimum wage, never mind the living wage. It’s very difficult for us to value and retain staff with this lack of support from the government, and beleaguered parents are having to try and find more funds for childcare when some are already paying more in childcare than they do in rent or mortgage.
In summary, we’ve made progress, but there’s still more work to be done!
Full Time Discount Package
Our full time discount packages are perfect for families who need additional hours and services.
All packages include a range of additional services to cover all you need on a daily basis.
Please note: We do not offer term-time only places.
How it works:
- Choose from a range of all inclusive packages (30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 hours per week).
- Funded hours can be used flexibly within your packages across the week.
- Enjoy full access to our Shift Booker system, letting you book sessions around your work schedule and amend your schedule bi-weekly as needed (ideal for shift workers).
- All packages include a range of additional services to cover all you need on a daily basis.
- Extras like Tops Skills School, language lessons, sports, and special events are included at no extra cost.
- No registration or admin fees for package users, plus priority booking for holiday clubs and events.
Benefits:
- Full flexibility to book the hours you need each week.
- All-inclusive pricing with no hidden extras.
- Access to a wide range of enrichment activities and resources.
- All meals and snacks (breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and healthy snacks throughout the day)
- Washable nappies, wipes, and nappy creams
- Branded sun cream
- Toothbrushing supplies: bamboo or recycled toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Digital tools: access to eyLog for parent communication and your child’s
learning journal - “My Tops” online family hub: exclusive access to expert videos, workshops, recipes, blogs, and activity ideas to support your family beyond the nursery day
- Free printed learning materials for home use
- Potty-training programme (including workshops, washable pull-ups, and a discount code for home use)
- Enrichment activities, such as; Tops Forest Skills, Cooking School,
Language lessons, Sports sessions (e.g., football, rugby), Gardening lessons, Seasonal parties and graduation gifts - Visiting workshops (e.g., storytellers, animal encounters)
- Priority booking for holiday clubs and special events
- No registration or admin fees.
More about the Flexible Funding Packages
If you have questions about the Flexible Funding Package or want a personalised quote, please contact our Parent Liaison Team by emailing them at enquiries@topsdaynurseries.co.uk or calling on 01202 879395.
Basic Funding Package
Our Basic Funding Package is designed to give families access to their government- funded childcare hours with no mandatory extra costs, although you can opt in voluntarily to pay for consumable & sundries, activities and meals.
Please note: We do not offer term-time only places.
How it works:
- Funded hours can be used flexibly across the week.
- Enjoy full access to our Shift Booker system, letting you book sessions around your work schedule and amend your schedule bi-weekly as needed (ideal for shift workers).
- There are no mandatory extra charges for these funded hours, though you can choose to opt in for extras like meals, consumables, or activities to enhance your experience.
- Any additional hours booked outside of the funded sessions are chargeable at our private fee rate.
Optional Consumables & Sundries (C&S)
For families who want added convenience, you can opt in to our C&S package, which covers a wide range of essentials and extras to make nursery life easier.
Opting in to the C&S charge provides your child with:
- Washable nappies and wipes
- Branded sun cream
- Bamboo or recycled toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Access to the eyLog app for parent updates and payments
- “My Tops” – exclusive access to trusted tools, workshops, recipes, and advice
to support life beyond the nursery day - Free printed learning materials for home use
- A full potty-training programme (including workshops, washable pull-ups, and
a discount code for home use)
C&S Charge:
Voluntary £5.70 per day to access these benefits.
Food and Meals
Our Tops meals are prepared by trained catering teams, and are designed to meet high standards of nutrition, food safety and allergen control. You can opt into our all meals bundle (breakfast, lunch and tea), or pay individually for the meals you want.
See your nurseries price list for more information.
Additional Information
Any hours or activities outside of your funded sessions will be charged at the standard private rate.
There are no registration or administration fees for children accessing only funded hours, unless you opt in for meals.
All charges are clearly listed in your nursery’s price list, please visit the nursery you are interested in to view the price list.
Benefits
- No mandatory extra costs for funded sessions
- Flexible childcare, to fit around your family
- Option to add convenient extras with the C&S package
- Consistent routine for your child
- All essentials and enrichment activities can be covered for a simple daily fee
More about the Basic Funding Package
If you have questions about the Basic Funding Package or want a personalised quote, please contact our Parent Liaison Team by emailing them at enquiries@topsdaynurseries.co.uk or calling on 01202 879395.
Private Fees Package
At Tops Day Nurseries, we offer flexible private childcare options for families who do not qualify for government funding or who need additional hours beyond their funded entitlement. Our private fees are designed to be transparent, all-inclusive, and tailored to your family’s needs.
Please note: We do not offer term-time only places.
How Private Fees Work
Hourly Rate or Private Package
Private childcare is charged at an hourly rate, which varies by nursery and age group with additional services and meals available as per the nursery price lists.
Additionally you can select from one of our all-inclusive 30, 35, 40, 45 or 50 hour packages.
For the most up-to-date rates, please refer to your nursery’s price list or speak to the nursery manager.
What’s Included in Your Private Packages
When you select a private package, your package covers a wide range of services and extras designed to make nursery life easier for you and richer for your child:
- All meals and snacks (breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and healthy snacks throughout the day)
- Washable nappies, wipes, and nappy creams
- Branded sun cream
- Toothbrushing supplies: bamboo or recycled toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Digital tools: access to eyLog for parent communication and your child’s
learning journal - “My Tops” online family hub: exclusive access to expert videos, workshops, recipes, blogs, and activity ideas to support your family beyond the nursery day
- Free printed learning materials for home use
- Potty-training programme (including workshops, washable pull-ups, and a discount code for home use)
- Enrichment activities, such as; Tops Forest School, Cooking School,
Language lessons, Sports sessions (e.g., football, rugby), Gardening lessons, Seasonal parties and graduation gifts - Visiting workshops (e.g., storytellers, animal encounters)
- Priority booking for holiday clubs and special events
- No registration or admin fees for full-time private package users
Additional Information
Deposit and Admin Fee
A deposit and one-off administration fee may apply when you enrol for private hours.
Please see your nursery’s price list for details.
Why Choose Private Fees?
- Ultimate flexibility to book the hours you need, when you need them
- All essentials included, no hidden costs for nappies, meals, or enrichment
- High-quality care and learning in a nurturing, inclusive environment
More about the Private Fees Package
If you have questions about the Private Fees Package or want a personalised quote, please contact our Parent Liaison Team by emailing them at enquiries@topsdaynurseries.co.uk or calling on 01202 879395.
Get 20% off with Tax Free Childcare
You can get up to £500 every 3 months (up to £2,000 a year) for each of your children to help with the costs of childcare. This goes up to £1,000 every 3 months if a child is disabled (up to £4,000 a year).
If you get Tax-Free Childcare, you’ll set up an online childcare account for your child. For every £8 you pay into this account, the government will pay in £2 to use to pay your provider.
You can get Tax-Free Childcare at the same time as 30 hours free childcare if you’re eligible for both
Workplace Benefit Scheme
A Workplace Nursery Benefit Scheme is a program that allows businesses to partner with selected nurseries, enabling employees to save on Tax and National Insurance contributions for their nursery fees.
Encourage your business to sign up and save substantially on your childcare fees.
Claim Back Up To 85%
Of The Cost Of Early Education and Care With Universal Credit
You can get the childcare element of universal credit if you are a single parent and you are in work or you are in a couple and you both work or one of you works and the other is unable to work because they are ill, a carer or absent from the household.
Why choose Tops Day Nurseries?
Here are some interesting facts about Tops Day Nurseries. We are not just a day nursery, we strive to provide the best service possible for parents and children.
- All staff counted within ratio hold a paediatric first aid certificate
- All staff have an up to date DBS check
- Tops provide a tooth brushing service for children
- All staff will obtain a food hygiene certificate within the 1st three months of starting
- We are a green company.
- Extra-curricular activities including Rugby Rangers, Gardening Club, Football Fun, cooking school and Tops Forest School are available for a small charge
- We have neutral walls within all Tops Day Nursery settings to allow children to focus on tasks and become less distracted.
- We provided nutritious, no-added sugar recipes throughout our settings, and recently launched a new GAME menu.
Our Values
To be the very best at what we do, by being bravely innovative, empowering the children and learners in our care within a safe and consciously sustainable environment, that builds trust with the parents that support our nurseries.
Bravery
To be the very best at what we do, by being bravely innovative
Empowerment
Empowering the children and learners in our care
Sustainability
Within a safe and consciously sustainable environment
Trust
That builds trust with the parents that support our nurseries
