Optional Extras Fee Structure
Core principle
Government funding is intended to cover funded early education and childcare hours only. It does not cover additional paid hours, food, non-food consumables, or optional additional services.
Any additional charges made by Millfield Montessori are voluntary. Parents are not required to purchase optional extras in order to access their child’s funded entitlement.
Optional extras available
Invoice breakdown
Where charges apply, invoices will be itemised clearly so parents can see what is funded and what relates to optional extras.
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funded hours
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additional paid hours
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food
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non-food consumables
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any extra activity or optional additional service charges
Parent information
Parents will be given clear information about optional extras, the alternatives available, and the fact that funded hours can be accessed without purchasing those extras.
Alternative Arrangements for Optional Extras
Food and meals
Parents are not required to purchase meals from Millfield Montessori.
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Parents may provide a packed lunch for their child.
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Parents may provide healthy snacks, where appropriate.
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Parents should provide a named water bottle.
Food brought from home must comply with the setting’s packed lunch and safety requirements, including healthy eating expectations and allergy-aware practice.
Nappies, wipes and sun cream
Parents are not required to purchase consumables from the setting.
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Parents may provide sufficient nappies for the session.
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Parents may provide wipes.
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Parents may provide labelled sun cream where required.
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Parents may provide any other personal care items needed for the day.
All items brought from home should be clearly labelled with the child’s name.
Additional childcare hours
Parents are not required to book hours beyond their child’s funded entitlement.
Where a parent wishes to access funded hours only, the setting will discuss available attendance patterns that fit within:
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the funded entitlement
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the setting’s session structure
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available spaces
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staffing ratios and the safe operation of the setting
Optional services
Parents are not required to purchase optional services such as transport-related services or additional settling-in beyond the initial free session.
Commitment to fair access
Millfield Montessori will not make the purchase of optional extras a condition of accessing funded childcare.
Where needed, the setting will work with parents to identify a reasonable arrangement that allows the child to access their funded place while maintaining the safe and efficient operation of the provision.