🌸 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

Nature is woven through everything we do — helping children develop confidence, independence and a deep connection with the world.

🌟 What Makes Orchidale Stand Out

🐄 Farm School

Children care for colourful fish, bantams Hairy McClary & Winnie, and rabbits Coco & Marshmallow. Feeding animals and watching chicks hatch builds kindness, confidence and curiosity.

🌊 Beach School

Our Norfolk coast adventures — Cromer, West Runton and Great Yarmouth — are filled with discovery, imagination and hands‑on exploration.

🌳 Forest School

Set within the Royal Norfolk Showground estate, Forest School gives children time and freedom to explore. Clay modelling, mud‑kitchen play, wildlife encounters and rewilding projects help children learn in nature and from nature.

💬 Why We’re Sharing This With You

Families deserve transparency:

• what funding does and doesn’t cover

• why high‑quality childcare costs more

• how much value your child receives

We invest far more than funding provides — because your child deserves the very best start in life.