🌸 The Hidden Costs of Quality Childcare — And Why Orchidale Gives Children So Much More

What Funding Really Covers

Funding pays for the hours.It does not properly fund:

• leadership and management

• core operational costs

• compliance with health and safety

• proper staffing conditions

• professional development

• essential consumables and waste disposal

• real resource‑rich learning environments

The phrases “free childcare” and “funded hours” are everywhere, and it’s understandable that parents assume the government covers the full cost of a nursery place. We wish it were true — but funding only pays for part of what it takes to run a safe, enriching and high‑quality early years environment.

💼 Why Funding Doesn’t Stretch Far Enough

🧭 1. Leadership and Management

• staff management

• timetabling and deployment

• employment

• managing resourcing

  
  

🧾 2. Finance and Management

• resourcing/shopping

  
  

🏠 3. Buildings Costs

• Rent, rates, utilities

  
  

🧽 4. Cleaning & Hygiene

Funding does not cover:

• daily cleaning

• deep cleans

• infection control

• specialist waste disposal

  
  

👩‍🏫 5. Staffing Costs

Funding does not include:

• holiday pay

• sick pay

• pensions

• competitive salaries

  
  

🎓 6. Training & Development

We invest in:

• safeguarding

• first aid

• SEND training

• specialist courses

  
  

🎨 7. Enrichment & Resources

Funding covers the basics — not:

• high‑quality toys

• creative & sensory materials

• visitors & workshops

• trips & outings

  
  

🧩 8. SEND Support

SEND funding rarely covers:

• additional staffing

• specialist equipment

• tailored interventions

• multi‑agency meetings

🍽️ 9. Home Cooking

We are proud of our food options but funding does not cover the whole cost of:

• hot meals using locally sourced fruit and veg and raw ingredients

• in house chef

• repairs and upkeep

🌱 Our Nature‑Led, Holistic Curriculum

At our nursery, we want every child to grow with confidence, curiosity and a genuine love for learning. Our curriculum is shaped around rich, purposeful experiences that help children trust their abilities and discover their strengths.

Nature is central to our approach. Whether children are exploring the forest, visiting the beach, helping on the farm or simply playing outdoors, they build resilience, independence and problem‑solving skills. These real‑world experiences encourage children to think deeply, take safe risks and explore big ideas — foundations that support their learning long into the future.

🌟 What Makes Orchidale Stand Out

🐄 Farm School

We believe there is something truly magical about growing up with animals. At Orchidale, our friendly creatures offer endless opportunities for children to learn, play and connect with the natural world. Children love watching our small, colourful fish gliding through their tank, and they take great pride in helping to care for our bantams, Hairy McClary and Winnie.

They also learn to gently stroke and look after our nursery rabbits, Coco and Marshmallow.

Whether they’re helping to feed the animals or witnessing the wonder of baby chicks hatching, these moments nurture kindness, confidence and curiosity. With animals woven into everyday nursery life, each day is filled with discovery, delight and so much joy.

🌊 Beach School

Children at Orchidale absolutely love their Beach School adventures along the Norfolk coast. These sessions are all about discovery, imagination, exploration and learning through play. The fresh sea air, the stunning natural landscape and the children’s sheer excitement make every trip feel truly special.

Each visit to Cromer, West Runton or Great Yarmouth is filled with beautiful discoveries and meaningful learning moments that spark curiosity, wonder and a deep connection with the natural world.

🌳 Forest School

At Orchidale, our Forest School sits within a stunning estate at the Royal Norfolk Showground — a setting that truly brings learning to life. Forest School isn’t just an activity for us; it’s part of who we are. Our ethos is rooted in the belief that nature offers some of the richest, most holistic learning experiences, and that children thrive when they’re given the time, space and trust to explore the world around them.

Whether they’re sculpting with clay, mixing “magic potions” in the mud kitchen, asking curious questions about the trees and plants, or sharing warm drinks in their own Base Camp, every moment holds a little bit of magic.

Through changing seasons, wildlife encounters and our ongoing rewilding project, children aren’t just learning in nature — they’re learning from it. They gain a deep sense of connection, responsibility and joy that stays with them long after they leave the forest

💬 Why We’re Sharing This With You

Families deserve transparency.We believe you have the right to clear, honest information — including what funding actually covers, why high‑quality provision costs more than the funded amount, and the true value your child receives here every day.

We’re proud to offer an experience‑led, thoughtfully designed curriculum, and we consistently invest above the funded rate because your children deserve a joyful, inspiring and exceptional start to their early years journey.