Which funded hours can we use towards a place?

Eligible families can put government funded early-education hours towards a Dawmouse place. Funding covers delivery of the early-years curriculum only, so we ask for a voluntary contribution towards our Montessori materials, specialist teachers and extra activities such as music, French and sport. Ask us to check your eligibility.

What ages are eligible for funded childcare?

Government funding is available for eligible two-year-olds and for all three- and four-year-olds, with extended hours for working families who qualify. The exact hours depend on your circumstances, so we are always happy to help you work out what your family can claim.

What hours and sessions are available?

We offer morning sessions and full days through the week in term time. Mornings work well for younger children finding their feet, and full days give older children a fuller Montessori routine. Let us know the days you would like and we will map out the options with you.

How does settling-in work when we start?

We settle every child gently and at their own pace, beginning with short, frequent visits that build familiarity with our rooms, routines and team before the first full session. A parent is welcome to stay close by until your child feels happy and secure.

Fees & funded hours

Clear, fair and family-friendly

At Dawmouse we review the nursery fees annually to ensure we can maintain the best quality of care, resources, and learning experiences for all children.

Registration fee: £60.00 (non-refundable) — this does not guarantee a place for a child.
Deposit: £500.00 — to secure a place (refunded on the last term’s invoice, providing the correct notice has been received in writing; one full term’s notice is required in writing).

A full term’s notice must be given in writing before your child leaves the nursery, otherwise a full term’s fees will be charged.

Fees per term

5 mornings	8:30am–1:00pm	£4,124
4 mornings	8:30am–1:00pm	£3,303
3 mornings	8:30am–1:00pm	£2,477
5 full days	8:30am–3:30pm	£6,188
Ad hoc sessions	Morning £70 · Afternoon £40

Minimum attendance

To ensure consistency of support for each child, minimum attendance requirements apply:

Children aged two must attend a minimum of three morning sessions per week.
Children aged three must attend a minimum of five morning sessions per week.

Fees with 15-hour funding

2 year olds — 5 mornings £2,215 · 4 mornings £1,394 · Full time £4,279

3 year olds — 5 mornings £2,500 · Full time £4,564

For any other sessions, please enquire.

Fees with 30-hour funding

2 year olds — 4 full days & one morning £1,936 · 5 full days £2,348

3 year olds — 4 full days & one morning £2,888 · 5 full days £3,300

Extra charges & lunch

Extra charges: additional charges apply for uniform and extra-curricular activities — please speak to us for details.

Lunch: children bring a packed lunch from home; we have a strict nut-free policy. All children have a snack of fruit or vegetables during the morning and afternoon sessions, provided by parents.

About the funding

The government provides up to 30 hours per week of funded childcare for eligible children aged 2–4. Government funding covers the cost of childcare provision and delivery of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum only; it does not cover our full nursery fees, which include our Montessori philosophy, specialist teachers and a wide range of additional activities.

Parents are asked to make a voluntary contribution towards consumables and additional services, such as specialist Montessori learning and resources, and additional activities (sports, music, French, trips, etc.).

We know that choosing a nursery is a significant decision for any family, and we believe you should be able to understand exactly what a place with us involves before you commit. Our fees are structured simply around the sessions your child attends, and everything that makes up the Dawmouse day — the Montessori materials, the outdoor play, the enrichment sessions and the warm daily care — is included as standard rather than added on.

Because the pattern of days that suits each family is different, we prepare a clear, personalised fee schedule for you rather than leaving you to work it out from a table. Simply get in touch and we will send you our current fees for the sessions you are considering, with no obligation whatsoever.

Government funding

Making the most of your funded hours

Many families are entitled to government-funded early education, and we are always glad to help you understand and make the most of it.

Funded hours welcomed

We accept government funded early-education hours for eligible children, applied straightforwardly against your child's sessions.

Who is eligible

Entitlements are available to eligible two, three and four-year-olds, and the rules have been widening for working families — we will help you check where you stand.

We handle the paperwork

The funding process can feel confusing, so we guide you through it and take care of the administration on your behalf.

What's included in every place: a full Montessori programme, all learning materials, daily outdoor play, enrichment sessions such as football with Coach Patsy, healthy snacks, and the settled care of a familiar, qualified team — with nothing important hidden behind extras.