Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
What funding can I claim for my child?
As a general rule if you are a working family you will be able to claim funding for children 9 months – school age ( Terms and conditions apply) . ‘Funding’ means you do not have to pay.
Please see more details of funding here :
https://www.theberrypatchfinedon.com/from-september-2025/early-years-room
Is my child able to attend just their funded hours , term time only ?
Yes. We will offer fully funded places. Parents can choose if they want their child to attend term time only ( 38 weeks of the year when local schools are open) or across the year ( 47.5 weeks of the year)
How does the funding work if I want my child to attend all year round?
The funding can be claimed in 2 ways :
- Term time as 15/30 hours a week ( depending on what you are eligible for )
- All year as 12/24 hours a week ( depending on what you are eligible for ) – This is known as stretched funding
What are the costs if I want my child to attend more than their funded hours and how/ when do I need to pay ?
Any additional hours over the funded hours are charged at:
£7.50 per hour for children under 2
£6.80 per hour for children over 2
Invoices are sent out monthly, in advance, on the 15th of the month with 14 days to pay.
Why aren’t you open for the full 52 weeks of the year ?
North Northamptonshire Council will only fund children in 3 ways :
38 weeks a year ( Term time)
47.5 weeks a year
51 weeks a year
If we were to open for 51 weeks of the year we would be required to open all bank holidays. This isn’t viable for staffing especially when the number of children attending on a bank holiday would be significantly lower.
Also families would then have to pay in full for the remaining 3 and a half weeks of the year ( the difference between 51weeks and 47.5 weeks)
Please see our Times and Dates so that you can plan in advance :
https://www.theberrypatchfinedon.com/further-information/times-and-dates
Does my child need to wear a uniform ?
Uniform is not compulsory but if you would like your child to wear one there is a choice of polo shirts and sweaters.
Orders can be laced directly from KS Schoolwear via their website:
https://ksschoolwear.co.uk/find-your-school/
Type in 'Berry' or scroll down through the photos to find it.
We also have a limited amount of childrens Hoodies in ages 2/3 or 4/5 years . These can only be bought from us and are priced at £15 each .Please contact us if you would like to buy one.
Will there be an option of a hot lunch ?
No . To provide a hot lunch would mean that we would have to charge families additional money to cover the costs. We are restricted on what we are able to charge for funded children. We ask that parents send in packed lunches or meals to reheat . Formula milk ( where applicable) will also need to be sent in as we feel this will keep the costs to families at a minimum.
Why are there no photographs on the website of the new premises?
The downstairs room that will be for children under 2 has needed a lot of work to make it safe and stimulating for children, this is still ongoing.
The upstairs room is regularly used by other community groups and therefore we are unable to set it up how it will be for the children until our open day on Saturday 16th August -1pm-4pm
The garden area was a car park/waste land and was not safe or secure . It has been made secure but we are planning on adding decking, rubber flooring and artificial grass.
Work will continue over the summer to complete all of the rooms . Photos will then be taken and added to the website and also to our new Welcome/Information pack .
What area will the older children who will attend breakfast, afterschool and holiday club use ?
Any school age children – Year reception – Year 6 will be using the upstairs room which will be shared with the 2, 3 and 4 year olds ( before 9am and after 3pm term time and holiday club) . There will be separate areas for the school age children to use,for safety reasons will not be accessible for the younger children. However, older children are encouraged to join in with the younger children in their areas if they wish. The school age children will also have use of the secure garden area.
If my child attends breakfast club/afterschool club how will they get to and from school?
Staff will walk with your child to/from either Finedon Infant School/Finedon Mulso Junior school.
How do I book my child into breakfast/afterschool or holiday club ?
We are able to offer a range of sessions to suit your childcare needs.
Sessions can be booked in advance and will also be invoiced in advance monthly. Invoices will be sent out on the 15th of each month with 14 days to pay.
You will be able to book ad – hoc sessions via an online portal ( coming soon) If a space is available on that day the system will allow you to book. You will need to make payment at the time of booking.
We have a range of sessions to ensure flexibility for families.
Sessions and prices are available here:
Do staff have the relevant qualifications to work with children?
Yes all staff are DBS checked and hold a range of qualifications. All staff also hold Paediatric first aid , Food hygiene and safeguarding training as a minimum.
Information on staff qualifications and roles can be found here:
https://www.theberrypatchfinedon.com/meet-the-team
We will be taking on 2 apprentices. Both will be working towards a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification. They will also undergo First Aid, Safeguarding and Food hygiene training.
If my child attends the Berrypatch will they get a place at Finedon Infant School?
It does not matter which nursery your child attends, school places are allocated primarily by your home address. No Nursery or School has an influence on which school you are offered – It is the decision of North Northants Council and places are primarily allocated by your home postcode . For example if you live in Finedon, it is highly likely that your child will be given a school place in Finedon.
Will I receive a refund if I collect my child early ?
No. Charges are made based on the times the child is booked in. This is because staff/food/resources will have been allocated in advance.
Will I get a discount if more than 1 of my children attend The Berrypatch?
Yes. A 10% sibling discount will apply to any charges.
How will my child safely access the outdoor play area, if they will be based in the upstairs nursery room?
Staff will escort children downstairs to the garden during the day. Children will be asked if they want to go outside . If they do not want to they are able to stay indoors with members of staff. If they do, staff will help the children down the stairs . When all children are downstairs, staff will open the doors . There will be barriers in place to guide the children to the garden gate and stop them from going onto the road.
Where do I drop my child off/collect them ?
For the upstairs room you can bring your child to the double doors that are located on Summerlee Road. The Berrypatch sign will be above the door. At popular times such as 9am , 12 midday and 3pm ,the doors will be open just before and you and you can wait in the foyer at the bottom of the stairs. Members of staff will be there to greet the children/escort them up the stairs . When collecting your child please ring the doorbell ,a member of staff will then bring your child down to you.
If your child will be attending at different times to the above you can use the doorbell to alert the staff upstairs. A member of staff will then bring your child down to you.
Where do I leave my childs belongings eg Lunchbox, bag ?
There will be areas in the foyer at the bottom of the stairs where you can leave your child’s coats, bags and lunchboxes. Staff will collect these when needed. All of your child belongings will then be left in the same area for you to collect with your child.
Are parking spaces available at The Berrypatch?
There is no on-site parking, with the exception of 1 disabled place and parking is very limited in Summerlee Road. However, there is a public car park at the Recreation ground , next to the junior school, which is approximately 100 metres away.