Nursery Fees & Funding in Cumbernauld
Making Quality Childcare Affordable
Our team will talk you through every scheme and help you understand what you’re entitled to. No jargon, no pressure.
At Craigard, we believe that exceptional childcare should be accessible to every family in Cumbernauld and Dullatur. Whether you're accessing your 1140 funded hours, using Tax-Free Childcare, or looking at private sessions, we'll help you understand every option available and choose the one that works best for you and your child.
As a North Lanarkshire Council-funded provider, every child at Craigard aged 3 to 5 is entitled to up to 1140 hours of funded early learning each year. That equates to either 3 full days or 5 morning or afternoon sessions per week. Some 2-year-olds may also qualify, depending on family circumstances. Our Nursery Manager Karen will be happy to talk you through exactly how funded hours work and how they can be applied to your child’s place at Craigard.
Funded Early Learning & Childcare (ELC)
We can guide you through the application process and help you secure your hours.
Financial Support for Childcare Costs
Many families qualify for government help with childcare. Below are the official links where you can check eligibility and apply.
1
Scottish Government – Help With Childcare Costs
A comprehensive overview of the support available for families in Scotland.
2
Tax-Free Childcare (save 20% on childcare fees)
For every £8 you pay, the government adds £2 — up to £2,000 per child per year.
3
Universal Credit – Childcare Element
If you receive Universal Credit, you may be able to claim up to 85% of your childcare costs.
5
Best Start Grant & Best Start Foods (Scotland)
Support for low-income families to help with essentials.
6
Student Childcare Funding (SAAS)
Help for college and university students with childcare costs.
Fee Structure (Effective from 1st April 2026)
| Attendance | Monthly Cost * (No Funding) | Monthly Cost * (With Funding Entitlement) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Day | £306.92 | £55.67 |
| 2 Days | £613.83 | £250.92 |
| 3 Days | £920.75 | £284.25 |
| 4 Days | £1,213.17 | £576.67 |
| 5 Days | £1,380.50 | £744.00 |
Ad-hoc Sessions
- Full Day: £72.00
- Half Day: £46.50
Session Times:
- Full Day: 7:30am – 6:00pm
- Half Day (Morning): 9:00am – 1:00pm
- Half Day (Afternoon): 1:00pm – 5:00pm
A 10% sibling discount applies to the eldest child (not applicable for term-time-only sessions or where eldest child is aged 3 and over and attends 3 full day sessions or less).
Additional hours outside of normal times are charged at £10.00 per 15 minutes (or part thereof).
- Exact fees may vary depending on the days of attendance, funding model, and any applicable discounts.
Funded hours
for 3–5
year olds
Funded Childcare in Scotland
As part of the Scottish Government’s Early Learning and Childcare Offer, every child aged 3 to 5 years is entitled to up to 1140 hours of funded early learning and childcare each year.
Funded Places for 2-Year-Olds
Some two-year-olds may also qualify for funded childcare if parents receive certain benefits.
This can be used in two main ways:
- 51-week model: Around 22 hours per week
- Term-time model: Around 30 hours per week (over 38 school weeks)
Our Nursery Manager will be happy to discuss how funding can be applied to your child’s place and help you choose the most cost-effective option for your family.
General Fee Information
Fees Payable in Advance
- Fees are payable monthly in advance, typically around the 28th of each month and must be received before the 1st.
- Payments should be made by direct bank transfer to the details provided on your invoice.
- Monthly fees are calculated as 1/12 of annualised costs for consistency.
Holidays & Closures
- The nursery closes on selected Bank Holidays and for one week over Christmas.
- These closures are already factored into our monthly fees, and no additional discounts are applied.
- If your child misses a booked session (due to illness or holiday), fees remain payable. We do not swap sessions.
Changes to Sessions / Termination of Place
- Permanent or a temporary change to your child sessions require four weeks’ notice.
- A six week notice period is required to terminate your child's nursery place.
Ad-hoc Days
- Additional sessions can be booked, subject to availability.
- Cancellations require 24 hours’ notice - otherwise, the session remains payable.
Annual Fee Review
Fees are reviewed annually each April, ensuring we continue to offer excellent childcare and maintain our high standards of service.
Need Help Understanding Your Options?
Contact the Nursery Manager to walk you through the sessions you require, pricing and help you work out what funding you may be entitled to and support you with applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact us directly or speak to your Health Visitor. As a registered North Lanarkshire Council early learning provider, we can apply funded hours directly to your child’s place once confirmed. Our team will guide you through every step.
Yes. A 10% sibling discount applies to the eldest child (excluding term-time-only sessions). Contact us to discuss how this applies to your family’s specific sessions.
Fees are payable monthly in advance, typically around the 28th of each month. Payment is by direct bank transfer. Monthly fees are calculated as 1/12 of annualised costs for consistency.
Sessions remain payable if your child is unable to attend due to illness or holiday. We do not swap sessions. Additional sessions can be booked subject to availability with 24 hours’ notice.
Yes. For every £8 you pay in, the government adds £2 — up to £2,000 per child per year. We can accept Tax-Free Childcare payments. Visit childcarechoices.gov.uk to check eligibility and set up your account.
