Choosing a nursery is a big decision, and most parents in Ascot are weighing up the same three things: what it will cost, what funding they can use, and whether their child will be happy there. This guide covers all three in plain words, with the questions worth asking when you visit.

What does nursery cost in Ascot?

Nursery fees vary, so always ask for a full price list and check exactly what is included. Some settings charge extra for meals, nappies or activities, which can add up over a month.

As an example, here are our fees at Always Growing Ascot from September 2026:

• Morning, 8am to 1pm: £52.55
• Afternoon, 1pm to 6pm: £52.55
• Full day, 8am to 6pm: £90.56
• Extra hour: £9.56

All meals and snacks, activities, learning resources, suncream and toothpaste are included. You provide nappies, wipes and formula milk if needed.

What funding can I use?

Funding in England has changed a lot recently, so it is worth checking what you are entitled to:

• Working parents of children from 9 months to school age can get up to 30 funded hours a week in term time.
• All 3 and 4 year olds can get 15 funded hours a week, whether or not their parents work.
• Some 2 year olds can get 15 funded hours a week if the family receives certain support.
• Tax-Free Childcare adds £2 for every £8 you pay in, up to £2,000 a year per child, and can be used for any paid hours.

You can check your entitlement on the government's Childcare Choices website. When you visit a nursery, ask how they use funded hours. At Always Growing Ascot, funded hours are stretched across the whole year, and you never have to buy extra hours to use them.

What to ask when you visit

A visit tells you more than any website. These questions help you compare settings fairly:

• What are your opening hours, and are you open all year or term time only?
• What is included in the fees, and what will I need to provide?
• How do you use funded hours, and are there any extra charges?
• Who will be my child's key person, and how long have the staff been here?
• How does settling in work?
• What does a typical day look like, and how much time is spent outdoors?
• How will you keep me updated during the day?
• Is food cooked on site, and how do you handle allergies?

Watch how staff talk to the children, and notice whether the children seem relaxed and busy. That says a lot.

About Always Growing Ascot

Always Growing Ascot is at All Saints Church Hall, London Road, Ascot SL5 8DQ, close to North Ascot, Sunninghill, Winkfield and Ascot station, with easy parking for drop-off and pick-up. We care for children from 9 months to school age, 8am to 6pm, all year round.

• Home-cooked meals and healthy snacks every day
• A key person for every child, and a stable team who know the children well
• Play-based learning that builds communication, independence and confidence for school
• Daily updates through the Famly app

"The staff are always approachable, caring, and happy to help." Parent, Ascot

Come and see us

The best way to choose a nursery is to see it in action. Book a show-round, see the rooms and garden, and ask us anything. Or call 01628 604153 or email info@alwaysgrowing.co.uk.