In this article, we outline what our approach to charging for the optional extras that the parents of children who are on an otherwise fully funded place might opt to pay for in order to secure the full experience of the Hatching Dragons programme
As part of our commitment to delivering a rich, holistic and culturally immersive early years education, Hatching Dragons offers a wide-ranging programme of optional extras in addition to the core Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum covered by government-funded hours. These enhancements go far beyond the minimum statutory requirements, enabling children to benefit from exceptional experiences each and every day they attend.
In accordance with DfE guidelines, charges for these optional extras are voluntary but necessary to maintain the quality and breadth of our provision. Families in receipt of fully funded 15 or 30 hour entitlements are therefore invited to opt into these enhancements as part of their child’s nursery experience.
Daily Optional Extras Package
Families may opt into all the following enhancements for a fixed daily rate:
|
Enhancement |
Description |
Frequency |
|
Nursery Meals |
Nutritious breakfast, lunch, dinner, and healthy snacks |
Daily |
|
Amazing Excursions & Outings |
Weekly off-site educational trips to London’s major museums, galleries, parks & cultural sites |
Weekly |
|
Modern Languages |
Daily immersion in Mandarin Chinese and French led by qualified language instructors |
Daily |
|
Specialist Enrichment Teachers |
A rotation of specialists across baby yoga, mindfulness, cookery, science, dance, drama & physical activity |
Daily (1/day) |
|
Cultural & Global Education |
Weekly international festivals (e.g. Chinese New Year, Diwali) and monthly regional learning themes (e.g. Japan, Brazil, Scandinavia) |
Weekly / Monthly |
Charges Payable
To ensure the sustainability of this premium enrichment offer, we apply a daily charge to funded-only places. The aim is to bring fee parity closer to a two-day full-fee equivalent while remaining cost-accessible.
|
Attendance |
Optional Extras Daily Charge |
Monthly Estimate (based on typical 8–9 days/month on 15hr schedule) |
|
1 day/week |
£17.50/day |
~£140–£157.50/month |
|
2 days/week |
£15.00/day |
~£240–£270/month |
|
3+ days/week |
£12.50/day |
~£375–£405/month |
Note: The more days attended, the lower the daily cost to reflect economies of scale and encourage fuller participation.
Terms & Conditions
- These optional extras are charged monthly in advance or via Direct Debit as part of your invoice.
- Families opting out of this package may still access their funded hours, but without meals, outings, enrichment activities or extended learning experiences.
- Children attending without optional extras will need to bring packed meals and will follow a scaled-back delivery model without specialist instructors or trips.
- We reserve the right to review and adjust charges annually in line with inflation and programme delivery costs.
Support with Charges
Families are strongly encouraged to explore the following ways to offset the cost of optional extras:
- Workplace Nursery Scheme: Pay fees directly from gross salary via your employer to save up to 47%
- Tax-Free Childcare: Receive up to £2,000/year in top-up payments from HMRC
- Additional government support: Depending on your income and eligibility
Our admissions or accounts team are always on hand to help you calculate your savings and enrol in these schemes.
Should you wish to opt into the Optional Extras Package or discuss your child’s schedule and entitlements, please speak with your nursery manager or contact the central office.