Do I need to pay a retainer?

A retainer fee is available for up to 4 weeks before the child is due to start.

A retainer will also be available to hold your child’s place in the holidays if you only need term-time childcare. This will only be available if you provide us with the term dates for the full school year upon signing your contract.

Retainers are charged at half the quoted fee’s and are non-refundable unless the place becomes unavailable before the contract starts.

 

Do I need to pay a deposit?

Upon signing the contract a holding deposit equivalent of 2 weeks fees for the first child then 1 week’s fees for each sibling is required to be deducted from the final bill when notice to end the contract is given. If the parent chooses to end the contract without notice or within 6 months of contract starting (unless discussed before signing contract), the deposit is non-refundable.

 

What are the fees for childcare?

Each day is broken up into sessions and you will be charged a set fee per child for the sessions you book. Fees include meals provided on the menu, travel and entrance to regular playgroups. Bigger outings will incur an additional charge with permission forms each time. The sessions are as followed but fees are available on request:

  • Morning (8am to 1pm)

  • Afternoon (1pm to 6pm)

  • Full Day (8am to 6pm)

  • Before School (8am to 9am)

  • After School (3pm to 6pm)

 

What happens during holidays or sickness?

The setting will be open all year round with the exception of bank holidays, 2 weeks in the summer and 2 weeks in the winter. If one of us requires some time off, the other will still open the setting with the aid of an additional member of staff if required. It is inevitable that a break from work is needed from time to time but we commit to only closing during the set time. Any necessary childcare training or work on the house for example will also only take place during closures.

We charge full fees for the set closures because unlike other service providers we set a lower hourly rate because we tend to work for more hours a week and all year round instead of ad hoc like a plumber or cleaner for example. If I did not charge for the set closures I would have to increase the hourly fee to reflect this.

If the setting has to close due to sickness, say if I had a very contagious illness for example you would not be charged for the time we are closed. Although, if your child is unable to attend due to sickness or holidays full fees will still apply. A term time only contract can be arranged if you intend for your child to take all school holidays off.

 

How do I pay?

Payments are made in advance monthly. You will receive invoices and receipts via email. Payments will need to clear before the child can be left at the setting. Preferably payments can be made via standing order or bank transfer but cash payments can be arranged with a handling fee.

 

What equipment do you provide?

SnuggleBugs provides the following as part of the childcare fee.

  • Food and Drink stated on menus

  • Plates and cutlery

  • Cups and beakers

  • High chairs

  • Car seats

  • Sleep mats

  • Educational resources

  • Snuggle Bugs rucksacks

  • High visibility jackets

  • Face cloths and towels

  • Aprons for messy play

 

What stuff do I need to provide?

Parents will need to provide the following.

  • Nappies wipes and creams

  • Tooth brush and tooth paste

  • Changes of clothes (lots of pants for toilet training)

  • Sun cream and hat (in warm weather)

  • Appropriate footwear (wellington boots if raining)

  • Appropriate outerwear (rain coat if raining)

  • Warm hat, gloves and scarf (in cold weather)

  • Baby formula and bottles

  • Comfort toys/blankets (if required)

  • Medicines

  • Any foods/drinks not provided on the menu (due to allergies)

All belongings must be labelled.

 

Are there any policies you or I have to follow?

At Snuggle Bugs Childcare there is a list of policies that must be followed by staff, adults and children who enter the setting. These policies are put in to place so we all have an understanding of how the setting is run and what is expected of each other.

  These can be viewed on request in paper or digital format contract and are listed as the following:

  • Accident, Incidents and Emergency

  • Administering Medication

  • Admissions

  • Child Protection and Safeguarding

  • Dropping Off and Collections

  • Health and Safety

  • Illness and Infectious Disease

  • Working with Parents

 There will also be a list of parent permission forms you will need to read through and sign. These will include:

  • Medication

  • Regular Outings

  • Sharing Information

  • Birthdays and Celebrations

  • Photographs and Digital Recording

 

I have further questions that haven't been answered, what can I do?

Please click the contact us button in the top right of the site and with fill in a form or email us with your further questions and we'll get back to you as quickly as possible.