Fee Payment Policy

Fees payment policy 

Glor Na NÓg Creche and playschool operate as a not-for-profit Childcare Service. We strive to set our fees at a rate which enables us to ensure affordability for parents while maintaining the highest standards of childcare, in a happy and safe environment. We are committed to working closely with parents to achieve our goal. 

Principle of Fees Policy  This policy is underpinned by the National Standards for Preschool Services 2010, The Childcare Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016, The Childcare Act 1991(Early years Services) (Registration of School Age Services) Regulations 2018: Síolta Standard 10: The Equal Status Acts 2000-2018. 

Rationale Early education and childcare is now much more a part of Ireland’s economic and social life and is recognised as making an important contribution to the child, the family, the community, society and the economy as a whole. Promoting play requires that each child has ample time to engage in freely available and accessible, developmentally appropriate, and well-resourced opportunities for exploration, creativity and meaning making in the company of other children, with participating and supportive adults. The National Childcare Scheme and other Government schemes provide financial supports for parents/guardians towards the cost of childcare. This policy seeks to establish an understanding and agreement between the service and all parents/guardians around the expectations regarding the payment of fees. To ensure the sustainability of the service and its ability to provide high quality childcare, it is essential that parent fees are paid on time. Policy Statement Fees are set at the beginning of each year at a rate that takes account of affordability for parents and of the sustainability of the service. Families will be informed of the fees on enquiry. Our Fees Policy is clearly displayed in the entrance lobby of our Childcare Center.  Payment is due for all days on which a child is registered to attend the service whether the child attends or not. This is to enable the correct rostering of staff and the smooth running of the service thus ensuring the safety and well-being of all children. 

Implementation of Fees Policy  

To implement the Fees Policy the following procedures are in place: 

• Fees are payable weekly for the year – Christmas and summer holiday periods are excluded. You will be notified of closure dates in advance.
• Payment for services is due by the Friday of each week 
• • Fees may be paid by cash, standing order or bank transfer to IBAN IE10BOFI90372849086490 receipts are issued for all payments
• • Fees are payable if a child is absent because of, but not limited to, illness, appointment, family holidays etc. If a child is absent long-term due to a medically certified illness parents are advised to speak to the Business Manager regarding payment.
• • The service will charge for Bank Holidays during the period that the service is open.
• • In the event of an imposed full-day closure due to adverse weather conditions i.e., Status Red Warning, fees will not be payable.
• • A deposit of €100 is required when booking a place in our toddler room. This deposit is refunded when the place is taken up on week 1. If the place is cancelled after the deposit has been paid unfortunately the deposit is non-refundable.
• • A ‘late collection fee, of €1.00 per minute after allocated collection time, will be charged where children have not been collected at the agreed time. Parents/guardians should note that, due to legislative requirements under the Childcare Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016 and Children First - Child Protection, two members of staff are required to remain with the child/ children until collection. Please note that any pattern of late collections may result in us withdrawing our service to you.
• • Fees will cover meals for children attending full day-care and for After-school children who attend the full session.
• • Two weeks’ notice is required should your child wish to leave the service or two weeks payment may be made in lieu of notice. Note: Children who are eligible for the free Early Childcare and Education Scheme (ECCE) are entitled to 3 hours per day, 5 days per week, for 38 weeks per year. 4 weeks’ notice of leaving must be given for this Scheme. The NCS requires 4 weeks’ notice if you wish to terminate your child’s place.
• When leaving Any rules and procedures set out by the DCYA (Department of Children and Youth Affairs) in relation to their childcare funding programmes must be complied with to continue to avail of these funding types. For further information in relation to the rules on the DCYA funding schemes please go to www.dcya.gov.ie. Information is also available at Reception.
  
• Non-payment of Fees Procedure: 
• 1. Parents/guardians will receive an informal reminder within 2 weeks from the date of the bill if fees have not been paid.
• 2. This reminder will be followed by a weekly written reminder if fees were not paid following the initial informal reminder.
• 3. Debts will not be allowed to accumulate for more than 28 days. Please appreciate that we must enforce this policy to ensure the continuation of our service to you.
• 4. Should a Parent not have cleared the debt following the 28 days we, unfortunately, will be forced to withdraw our service to you.
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• Communication Plan for staff & families
• All parents/guardians will be informed of this policy and procedures on registration. Staff members will check with parents/guardians that they have read and understood the policy and provide any assistance needed. A summary of this policy will be included in the Parent Information Pack. A copy of all policies will be available during all hours of operation to staff members and parents/guardians in the Policy Folder located in Reception. Parents may receive a copy of the policy at any time upon request. Parents and staff will receive written notification of any updates.
•  Related Policies, Procedures and Forms
• • Partnership with Parents Policy
• • Admission Policy
• • Record Keeping Policy
• • Curriculum Policy
• • Child Protection Policy
• • Health and Safety Policy
• • Adverse Weather Policy
• •Enrollment Forms
• This policy must be observed by the manager, All staff members, Parents/Guardians
• Contact Information If you require further information regarding this policy contact:
• Name Lorraine Casey, Business Manager
• Phone number 094 93 70833
• Email; glornanog@gmail.com 
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• Date this policy was created Sept 2008
• Date the policy is reviewed May 2024
• Date this policy will be reviewed May 2025