Contracts and Charges

Contract Types

I offer both private contracts and funded placements, covering all ages from infants up to 12 years of age. Infants, wrap-around and holiday care are generally private contracts, although invoices may be paid for through tax-free childcare vouchers from your employer. Private contracts can be flexible to meet the needs of your family, although I do place some restrictions depending on contract type - please see the relevant sections below. Funded placements are offered in partnership with Midlothian Council and are offered following a 38 week ’term time’ model. ​

Infants and Toddlers up to 3 years

Infant and toddler care (outwith the Good Time To Be 2 scheme) is provided under private contracts with the following terms:

• When reserving a place I ask that the contract and relevant paperwork is completed at time of reservation and a non-refundable deposit be paid.
• The deposit for a place is 2 weeks care or £100 (whichever is greater), this will be refunded at the termination of contract, or can be used to pay the final fees.
• Care is provided at a rate of £6.00 per hour, with a minimum of 4 hours per session.
• I will provide 4 hours of free settling in sessions, usually as 2 sessions of 2 hours each, though this can be tailored on request. ​

Funded Placements:

Funded placements are available in partnership with Midlothian Council. These are available to eligible two year olds through the Good Time To Be Two scheme, or as part of your child’s 1140 hours ELC entitlement (available from beginning of the school term following their 3rd birthday). These hours are provided through a contract with Midlothian Council, and at no cost to the parents/carers.

Funded childcare placements can be full time with me, or as part of a blended placement in partnership with another childcare setting. I provide placements over 38 weeks, which corresponds to a standard term-time school year. By following a 38 week year your child is entitled to up to 30 hours per week, spread across one or more settings.

I can provide a funded placement in one of two ways:

• Full time at my setting, with up to 30 hours available each week.

• A split of hours between another childcare setting and my setting, this must be

  • agreed by all parties
  • a minimum of two days a week at my setting

  If you require childcare in addition to the 1140 hours, for example wrap-around care, this will be agreed as a private contract. You will never be charged for your child’s funded hours. ​

Wrap-Around Care:

Wrap-around care is available as before and after school sessions, from 7:30am until 5:30pm. Wrap-around care is tied to Mauricewood Primary school, with pick-up and drop-off from the Infant Playground (older children are asked to walk round to facilitate pick-up/drop-off of younger children to the P1/2 doors). ​

• When reserving a place I ask that the contract and relevant paperwork is completed at time of reservation and a non-refundable deposit be paid.
• The deposit for a place is 2 weeks care or £100 (whichever is greater), this will be refunded at the termination of contract, or can be used as payment towards the final fees.
• Morning sessions are charged at £10, afternoon sessions are charged at £15.
• The morning session runs from 07:30 until 08:55 and includes breakfast (if required).
• The afternoon session runs from 15:20 until 17:30 and includes an after school snack.
• Afternoon sessions may include activities in the local area, so a pre-arranged pick-up time is requested.
• Flexible days and times are available to help cover shift work and other flexible working patterns. I do however ask that you book and pay for at least 3 of the same type of sessions each week with additional sessions available on request.

​

Holiday Cover:

I am available to provide cover the school holidays, between 08:00 and 17:30. These spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis, though priority will be given to existing contract holders with a pre-booking system in place. ​

• When reserving a place I ask that the contract and relevant paperwork is completed at time of reservation and a non-refundable deposit be paid.
• The deposit for a place is 2 weeks care or £100 (whichever is greater), this will be refunded at the termination of contract, or can be used to pay the final fees.
• Childcare hours are between 08:00 and 17:30.
• Flexible days and times are available to help cover shift work and other flexible working patterns.
• Care is charged at £6.50 per hour, with a minimum of 4 hours per session.

Rates and Fees

Contract Terms

• Fees are paid monthly and in advance.
• Invoices for care are sent out on the 21st of the month and need to be paid within 14 days.
• You agree the childcare fees are due regardless of attendance, unless my setting is closed.
• If I am closed due to sickness or holidays there is no charge and you will be refunded on your next invoice.
• If your child is ill or has a holiday you will be charged for your sessions you have booked regardless of attendance.
• Any extra hours or money owed to you will be reflected on your next invoice.
• Any unexpected additional charges for meals or extra hours will be invoiced on an additional invoice and sent at the end of the week when charges were accrued/agreed. Payment needs to be made within 14 days of receipt.
• A morning and afternoon snack and drinks are provided free of charge.
• If your child is at my setting for a long day you have the option of sending your child packed meal(s), or purchasing additional meals.
• I accept all childcare vouchers, however you will need to make sure this is in place before your first invoice is due. If there is an issue with your childcare vouchers you will be expected to pay the amount due and then you will be refunded once the vouchers are paid.
• If you are late collecting your child, you will be charged an hourly fee for the additional time. Late collection will be termed as anything more than 15 minutes past your collection time.​

Additional Charges