Early years fees in 2026: what your nursery website should make clear
The DfE now expects transparent information about funded hours, optional extras, and alternatives. Here is a practical website checklist.
By Sprig Editorial Team
Why fee-page clarity matters
The Department for Education's statutory guidance valid from 1 April 2026 says local authorities should ensure providers publish admissions criteria and fees for consumables, additional hours, and services in a form parents can easily understand.
Clear pricing is not only a compliance task. It reduces unsuitable enquiries, prevents surprises, and gives families confidence that your funded offer is genuinely accessible.
Separate funded hours from optional charges
Your website should make clear that entitlement hours are free of charge. List optional meals, consumables, additional hours, and activities separately, with the amount charged for each.
Avoid language that makes an optional extra sound compulsory. Explain the reasonable alternative available to a family that does not want to purchase it—for example, supplying an appropriate packed meal or consumable item where your arrangements allow.
Show the pattern of funded hours
Parents need to know when and how funded hours can be taken, not merely that you accept funding. Set out available days, session patterns, stretched or term-time arrangements, and any admissions criteria.
Keep the page current. A clear review date and named owner make it less likely that old fees remain online after a change.
Make invoices tell the same story
The guidance expects invoices to distinguish free entitlement hours from additional paid hours and optional extras. Your website, offer letter, parental declaration, and invoices should use consistent names and amounts.
Before publishing a fee change, check the notice requirements in your parent contract and give families a simple contact route for questions.
Official source
See the DfE statutory guidance “Early education and childcare”, valid from 1 April 2026, especially paragraphs A1.39 to A1.43: gov.uk/government/publications/early-education-and-childcare--2/early-education-and-childcare-valid-from-1-april-2026.