At First Stages Childminding, We understand that every family’s routine is different, which is why we provide structured session times alongside flexible options where needed.

Below you’ll find a full breakdown of our opening hours, sessions, fees and additional charges.

 
 
 

Opening Times

We are open Monday to Friday.

Standard Hours:

  • Full Day: 7:30am – 6:00pm

Session Times:

  • Morning Session: 7:30am – 12:30pm

  • Afternoon Session: 1:00pm – 6:00pm

 
 
 
 

Extended Flexibility (by arrangement only)

We understand that some families may need additional flexibility outside of standard hours. This is available on request and must always be agreed in advance.

  • Early Drop-Off: from 7:00am

  • Late Pick-Up: up to 7:00pm

Please note: extended hours are subject to an additional charge (see fees below).

 
 
 
 

Our Fees:

Full Day Care

£65 per day (7:30am – 6:00pm) includes:

  • Breakfast

  • Lunch

  • Tea

  • Water throughout the day

  • 2 snacks

Morning or Afternoon Sessions

£35 per session

Morning (7:30am – 12:30pm) includes:

  • Breakfast

  • Morning snack

  • Two-course lunch

Afternoon (1:00pm – 6:00pm) includes:

  • Afternoon snack

  • Two-course tea

 
 
 
 

Funded Childcare (Important Information)

For families using funded childcare hours, please note that government funding covers the cost of childcare only and does not include additional items such as meals, snacks, drinks, resources, consumables, outings, or activities.

To ensure children continue to receive freshly prepared meals and snacks throughout the day, a daily charge of £18 applies on funded childcare days to cover food.

 
 

Additional Charges

Extended Hours

  • Early Drop-Off (7:00am – 7:30am): £7.50 per day

  • Late Pick-Up (6:00pm – 7:00pm): £12.50 per day

  • Both Early Drop-Off & Late Pick-Up: £18 per day

 
 

Late Collection Policy

We understand that delays can occasionally happen. However, to ensure staffing and safeguarding remain consistent:

  • Late pick-up after 6:00pm without prior agreement will incur a charge of £5 per 15 minutes

Deposits & Securing a Place

To secure a place at First Stages Childminding, a deposit is required at the time of booking. This ensures we can reserve your child’s space within our small, home-based setting.

  • Part-time places: £150 deposit

  • Full-time places: £300 deposit

This deposit holds your child’s place for up to 8 weeks in advance while arrangements are finalised.

Please note:
*Deposits are non-refundable and do not come off future fees. This is because we are a small setting and reserving a place prevents it from being offered to another family during this time.

Have Questions?

If you have any further questions regarding Government Funded Childcare, please feel free to reach out to us - we’re happy to help!