Welcome to a ‘one stop shop' with links and explanations about the various options available for covering the costs of childcare, so please take some time to read through the information below to ensure you understand how it all works.
If you have any questions or are unsure about anything, please feel free to give Bryony a call on 07786 733 847 (we love a chat!), email us at admin@knowlenurseryschool.co.uk, or arrange a visit to speak to us in person.
January 2026
There are 6 different options with regards to paying for hours, or accessing funded early education:
- Paying place - no funding accessed, or additional hours accessed outside of 15 or 30 hours free entitlement
- Free Entitlement for Two Year Olds (FEET), (we are a registered provider) depending on household circumstances and income - 2 year olds - Find out more
- Working Parents Entitlement (WPE) - depending on household circumstances and income - 2, 3 and 4 year olds - Find out more
- 15 Hours Universal Funding ALL 3 and 4 year olds entitled - not related to household circumstances and income - 3 and 4 year olds - Find out more
- Tax Free Childcare - For eligible working parents who can get a £2.00 top-up for every £8.00 towards the cost of their childcare - Find out more
- Universal Credit Childcare - help towards childcare costs depending on household circumstances and income - Find out more
Early Years Pupil Premium
If your child qualifies for FEET or 15 hours Free Entitlement there is additional funding available depending on your household circumstances. This extra funding might be used for specialist training for staff or new experiences for the children. Further information can be accessed here - Early Years Pupil Premium.
Full Opening Hours
Monday: 8.30am - 3.00pm
Tuesday: 8.30am - 3.00pm
Wednesday: 8.30am - 3.00pm
Thursday: 8.30am - 3.00pm
Friday: 8.30am - 12.30pm (from September 2026, the Friday session will be extended to 3.00pm)
Children who are 2 years old are able to access a shorter, morning only session, that ends at 12.30pm, Monday to Thursday.
Funding Hours for Working Parents Entitlement (2, 3 and 4 year olds)
Monday: 6.5 hours (8.30am - 3.00pm)
Tuesday: 6.5 hours (8.30am - 3.00pm)
Wednesday: 6.5 hours (8.30am - 3.00pm)
Thursday: 6.5 hours (8.30am - 3.00pm)
Friday: 4 hours (8.30am - 12.30pm)
Total weekly funding available: 30 hours
If families wish to drop off at 9am or 9.15am they can do so at their discretion.
15 Hours Entitlement - 3 and 4 year olds
If you wish to only access the 15 hours entitlement, then drop off will be from 9.30am Monday to Thursday resulting in a 5.5 hour session and then Fridays drop off will be from 8.30am resulting in a 4 hour session.
Funding Hours for 15 hours Free Entitlement Only and FEET
Monday: 5.5 hours (9.30am - 3.00pm)
Tuesday: 5.5 hours (9.30am - 3.00pm)
Wednesday: 5.5 hours (9.30am - 3.00pm)
Thursday: 5.5 hours (9.30am - 3.00pm)
Friday: 4 hours (8.30am - 12.30pm)
Enhanced Daily Activities
We understand that family life is busy and juggling multiple schedules can be challenging. With this in mind, we want to give children the chance to experience a wide range of activities within the familiar and supportive environment of the nursery. Trying new things can feel daunting for young children, so offering these opportunities in a setting they know helps build confidence and curiosity.
Our comprehensive programme of optional enrichment activities is designed to broaden experiences, promote wellbeing, and nurture individual interests. These activities will run alongside our regular sessions on a rotation throughout the year so every child can take part and there is a daily optional charge.
Enhanced Activities and Paid Hours
Enhanced activities are £5.00 per session, paid hours are £7.00 per hour for 3 and 4 years and £8.50 per hour for 2 year olds.
Registration
If you wish to enrol your child at Knowle Nursery School and access either enhanced activities, a paying place or additional hours outside of the various funded entitlements, then there is a £75.00 non refundable registration fee.
Term Dates
Spring Term 2026 | 11 weeks
Monday 05 January - Friday 27 March
Half term: Monday 16 February - Friday 20 February
Summer Term 2026 | 13 weeks
Monday 13 April - Friday 17 July
Half term: Monday 25 May - Friday 29 May
Provisional Term Dates 2026-2027
Autumn Term 2026 | 13 weeks
Tuesday 01 September - Monday 14 December
Half term: Monday 19 October - Friday 30 October - now a 2 week half term in line with Surrey County Council
Spring Term 2027 | 11 weeks
Monday 04 January - Thursday 25 March
Half term: Monday 15 February - Friday 19 February
Summer Term 2027 | 14 weeks
Monday 12 April - Friday 23 July
Half term: Monday 31 May - Friday 04 June
Surrey County Council
Surrey County Council have a large range of useful information on their website, outlined below are some popular pages. There are also publications such as Thinking about school, Thinking about childcare and early education, The Parent Handbook and Parents' Pages 0-5 as well as printable downloads such as the Talking Time cards, the Move with me physical development tips, the Communication and language tips and the Being, Belonging, Becoming PSED tips.
We would recommend looking at the Family Information Service website as it offers a free impartial information and signposting service on all aspects of family life for parents of children and young people aged 0-25.
Surrey CC - Family Information Service