Government Funding & Your Montessori Journey
At Grantham Farm Montessori School, we believe every child deserves access to high-quality, child-led education. That’s why we’re proud to participate in government-funded programmes that help make Montessori education accessible to families.
What Government Funding Is Available?
We accept the following government support schemes:
- 15 Hours Government Funded Childcare: Available for all 3- and 4-year-olds, and eligible 2-year-olds.
- Tax-Free Childcare: Eligible families can receive up to £2,000 per child per year to help with childcare costs.
- Universal Credit Childcare Support: If you’re eligible, you may be able to claim back up to 85% of your childcare costs.
Why It Matters
Government funding makes it possible for more families to choose a Montessori education for their child. One that nurtures independence, curiosity, and a love of lifelong learning. We’re committed to working with you to make Montessori accessible and meaningful.
Government Funding & Additional Costs at Grantham Farm Montessori School
We are delighted to offer government-funded hours to help make Montessori education more accessible. However, it’s important for families to know what is — and isn’t — included in this funding.
What the Funding Does Not Cover
Government funding for free childcare entitlements does not include:
- * Food consumables — e.g., snacks, party foods, baking, cookery, & all food consumables to cater for food preferences, allergies and intolerances.
- ** Non-food consumables — e.g., sun cream, topical applications, disposables, bags, wipes, nappies and medical supplies, spare clothing for all seasons.
- *** Additional activities — e.g., yoga, sport, woodland exploration & bushcraft skills, music and dance classes, parties, visits from educational guests and entertainers, and field trips (excluding entrance fees & mini-bus where applicable), one-to-one literacy support.
Providers are therefore able to ask parents to pay for these items and activities. Many families choose to do so for convenience and to ensure their child enjoys the full Montessori experience.
How We Keep Things Clear
At Grantham Farm Montessori School, we believe in transparency. Our invoices are always itemised so you can see exactly what you’re being charged for, including:
- Free entitlement hours
- Additional private paid hours (if applicable)
- Food charges
- Non-food consumables charges
- Activities charges
This helps you clearly see that you have received your funded hours and understand any additional costs.
Fair Access for All Families
- The 15 funded hours are always accessible to parents free of charge.
- Extras are optional — they are never a condition for your child being offered a place.
- Statutory guidance requires providers to offer reasonable alternatives so you can access your entitlements completely free if you wish.
- We are mindful of the impact of charges on families, particularly those most disadvantaged. If you are unable to pay for activities or consumables, we will work with you to ensure your child can still access the full Montessori programme here at Grantham Farm.
Department for Education Guidance
The Department for Education is not encouraging parents to opt out of paying for extras, and local authorities are not being asked to encourage this either. The choice is entirely yours, and we are here to support whatever works best for your family.
Illustrative Fees Table (based on an 11 week term)
| Age or year group | Attendance | Gov. funded hours | Additional hours hourly rate | Termly charge food consumables * | Termly charge non-food consumables ** | Termly charge additional activities (not inc. in EYFS) *** | Termly fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 year olds Non-funded) | Min. 2 mornings | n/a | £ 9.50 | charged hourly as invoiced | |||
| 2 year olds (Funded) | 2 mornings (7 hours) | £ 0 | £ 9.50 | £ 61.60 | £ 77.00 | £ 132.52 | £ 274.12 |
| 3 & 4 year olds | 4 mornings (min. 16 hrs) | £ 0 | £ 8.50 | £ 132.00 | £ 165.00 | £ 290.04 | £ 680.54 |
| 3 & 4 year olds | 3 full days or equiv. (18 hrs) | £ 0 | £ 8.50 | £ 132.00 | £ 165.00 | £ 290.04 | £ 867.54 |
| 3 & 4 year olds | 2 full days & 2 mornings or equiv. (19 hrs) | £ 0 | £ 8.50 | £ 132.00 | £ 165.00 | £ 290.04 | £ 913.00 |
| 3 & 4 year olds | 4 full days (24 hrs) | £ 0 | £ 8.50 | £ 132.00 | £ 165.00 | £ 290.04 | £ 1357.10 |
| 3 & 4 year olds | 5 full days 9.00 – 3.00 (30 hrs) | £ 0 | £ 8.50 | £ 132.00 | £ 165.00 | £ 290.04 | £ 1891.10 |
| 3 & 4 year olds | 5 full days 8.30 – 3.00 (32.5 hrs) | £ 0 | £ 8.50 | £ 132.00 | £ 165.00 | £ 290.04 | £ 2112.13 |
| Yr R, Yr 1 & Yr 2 | 32.5 hrs | £ 2320.50 |