Affordable early education for your child
At Davidson Pre-school, we believe high-quality early education should be accessible and stress-free. We're here to reassure you that preschool doesn't have to be expensive, especially if your child is eligible for funded hours. As a term-time setting, we ensure funded hours often cover sessions fully, with no hidden costs or large top-ups just to access your entitlement.
We're committed to transparency and will guide you through your entitlements, how they can be used at our Croydon or South Norwood settings, and what (if anything) you would need to pay. Our goal is to make quality care affordable and realistic for working families, so you can focus on your child's growth, not the bill.
Navigating government childcare funding
Understanding childcare funding can feel complex, but we're here to help. Davidson Pre-school proudly accepts all main government childcare funding options, ensuring maximum support for your family. Here's a breakdown of the schemes available:
Free childcare from 9 months old (up to 30 hours)
Eligible working parents can receive up to 30 hours per week of free childcare, starting the term after their child turns 9 months old, until they begin school. This covers 38 weeks per year, totalling 1140 hours.
This is the primary route for working families to access maximum funded hours at our preschool. Find out more and check your eligibility on the Best Start in Life website: Best Start in Life – 30 hours childcare support.
15 hours free childcare for 2 year olds (additional support)
Some two-year-olds may be eligible for 15 hours per week of funded childcare. This applies to families receiving certain benefits or children with specific additional needs (e.g., Disability Living Allowance, Education, Health and Care Plan).
This is not universal and requires specific criteria to be met. You can check eligibility via Croydon’s dedicated tool: Croydon 2 Year Old Funding Checker.
15 hours free childcare for 3 & 4 year olds (universal entitlement)
All three and four-year-olds in England are universally entitled to 15 hours of free early education/childcare per week (570 hours a year). This is regardless of parental income or employment status.
Simply provide proof of your child's age and address to our setting to claim this entitlement. This entitlement is separate from the 30-hour working parent scheme.
Other support options for families
Beyond the core funded hours, parents may also be eligible for additional financial support:
- Tax-Free Childcare: The government tops up childcare costs in a savings account (up to £2,000 per child per year).
- Universal Credit: Childcare costs support may be available through Universal Credit.
These schemes are separate and can be used alongside funded hours to help cover any extra childcare expenses.
Quick funding summary
- 30 hours funded childcare: For eligible working families from 9 months to school age (check gov.uk link above).
- 15 hours funded childcare for 2 year olds: Via Croydon eligibility check if you meet specific criteria.
- 15 hours universal for 3–4 year olds: Available to all.
Our transparent fee structure
At Davidson Pre-school, we aim for clarity in our fees. While funded hours cover our standard 9am-3pm sessions, we understand you might need additional flexibility. Here’s how extra hours are charged:
| Service | Rate |
|---|---|
| Baby Room additional hours | £10 per hour |
| Toddler Room additional hours | £6 per hour |
Should you require care outside of the 9am-3pm funded period, such as 8am-9am or 3pm-4pm, these extra hours will be charged at the rates listed above. We will always discuss any potential costs with you upfront.
Investing in quality, gaining peace of mind
Beyond the numbers, we want you to feel complete peace of mind when choosing Davidson Pre-school. It’s not just about "Can we afford this?", but "This is absolutely worth it—and we feel confident in our choice."
You're investing in a nurturing environment with experienced staff, where your child's wellbeing, strong attachments, and emotional security are paramount. We offer a calm pace, small groups, and a supportive community. There are no hidden surprises; just a place where every pound truly supports your child’s early years journey, providing quality, not just hours.