Important Update

Good Afternoon all of our lovely families!

As you are aware, Sapling introduced stretched funding earlier this year in order for parents to utilise the new government funding, year-round.

As a result, Sapling has reviewed the way in which children move through the setting in 'cohorts'. Saplings have historically moved children through the rooms, in sept-sept cohorts, to mirror school years, but with the introduction of stretched funding, 'term time' is effectively no more. To be in line with most other Nurseries, children will be moving up to the next room, the term after their 2nd and 3rd birthdays. If a child turns two or three between Sept-Dec, they will move into Rabbit's or Badger's the following January. If born January - March, they will move through in April. If born between April and August, they will move up in September. All children under two will remain in Bunnies.

In the circumstance of a child who may not be developmentally or emotionally ready to move from Rabbit's to Badger's, staff will work closely with the family to decide the best route at the time, which may include a slower transition.

Please see below the updated fee structure; the prices have not gone up, but now reflect each room, rather than age. May I please remind you that any children who are not eligible for funding are still liable for their fees all year round. The option to book into the non-funded 2 weeks in August is for funded children ONLY. This is because the government funding is only 48 weeks per year.

As an additional reminder, for any non-funded sessions, for all children, regardless of attendance, fees will be invoiced.

In addition, we have some exciting changes to announce! For children to continue to transition smoothly around the setting as they grow, we have had a bit of staff shuffle. We believe this will be a really positive step, and we are utilising the staff's best qualities in each room.

If you have any questions, please contact us at office@hadlowsaplings.com

As always, we appreciate your continued support of Saplings.

Saplings Fee Structure from 1st May 2025

• Fees are invoiced monthly in advance.  
• 12 and 24-hour funded children can only use their funding hour sessions between 09:00-15:00, for 6-hour sessions, 48 weeks a year.
• Before and after school club charged an hourly rate until 4 pm, after 4 pm, charges apply until 6 pm.

• All children are entitled to 15 hours of government-funded childcare, the term after they are 3 years old. Funding is stretched across 48 weeks, this equates to 12 hours per week.
• Non-funded days can include sessions from 07:45–13:00, 07:45–16:00, 07:45–18:00, or 13:00–18:00.

• Payment must be made within 30 days of receiving the invoice. A 5% penalty will be applied to any overdue amount.

• Nappies and wipes, as well as breakfast, snacks, and evening meals, are included in the fees.       

• Fees are reviewed annually, in September and January. We reserve the right to increase the fees. Any changes are based on government funding announcements and may affect our rates.

• Parents will be informed in writing of any changes to the fee structure as soon as possible following a review.

• Please note that funding is not accepted during the last two weeks of August. If you would like your child to attend during this period, you must book their sessions in advance.
• Booked sessions for non-funded children during the last two weeks of August are payable.
• We accept the following payment types.  

• Bank Transfer, Cash, Employer's Childcare Vouchers, Tax-free Childcare Vouchers