2025 to 2026 Fee rates

These fees are applicable from 01.08.25 to 31.07.26. The fees are subject to annual revision.

0-2s AM/PM	0-2s Full day	2-3s AM/PM	2-3s Full day	3-5s AM/PM	3-5s Full day
£48.46	£77.28	£48.46	£77.28	£45.84	£73.35

The fee rates are for staff members at the University of Aberdeen. Fees are payable monthly in advance. There are no reductions for sickness or any other days off for family reasons. If the nursery has to close due to adverse weather conditions or for any other unexpected reasons (such as a power cut) then this session is not reimbursed.

One month’s notice of withdrawal of children is required, or fees will be charged. In the event that fees fall into arrears for more than one term, the child’s place will be discontinued. The Nursery Manager shall refer the case to the Chair of the Board of Trustees for consideration. A nursery place will not normally be available for those with outstanding debt to the Nursery.

Nursery Closures Dates

The closure dates are as follows:

• Two weeks in winter (close on Friday the 19th of December 2025 and the nursery will reopen 8.00 am on Monday the 5th January 2026)
• One week around spring time (Monday the 30th of March 2026 to Friday the 3rd of April 2026)
• Two days in July (Aberdeen holiday) Monday the 13th July 2026 and a staff training day (Tuesday the 14th July 2026)

Nursery core hours

The nursery has core hours as set below. For parents who are in reciept of funded hours please see the nursery manager as the daily hours may be different. When you join the nursery you will be asked to select which core hours option you would prefer. You can change to a different set of hours with one week’s notice.

AM	PM	Full day
8.30-1.00	1.00-5.30	8.00-5.15
		8.15-5.30
		8.30-5.45

Extended hours provision

You can extend your child’s day through extended hours, which are in blocks of 15 minutes. There is a charge for this. Please see the nursery manager for the current charges. The rate is the same for both staff and student parents. This should be pre-booked one week in advance.

Staff Salary Sacrifice Scheme

The University of Aberdeen operates a Salary Sacrifice scheme which members of the University Staff can join. More information on this scheme can be obtained from the nursery Manager or Human Resources.

Tax Free Childcare

The nursery also accepts tax free childcare payments. For more information on this scheme please see Tax-Free Childcare – GOV.UK

Student Fees

Students will receive a 15% discount on the above rates. Student parents will be charged for a minimum of a 34-week term, but can request extra if required.

Full year commitment

Staff parents will have a 49-week contract. The nursery is closed for 3 weeks holiday and fees are not charged for these closures.

Extra sessions

Extra sessions can not be guaranteed as this depends on staffing levels and if there spaces available. These will be charged via invoice on a monthly basis.

Local Authority Funding

All 3 and 4 years olds can access some free sessions (classed as funded early learning and childcare) at RHNS (dependant on their 3rd birthday for when this starts). As part of this funded childcare children will recieve up to 5 free meals a week (lunchtime and either morning snack or afternoon snack). This runs from mid august 2025 to mid august 2026. More information on the local authority funding can be found at the Funded provider section of the following page:

Apply for a School ELC/Nursery place | Aberdeen City Council

Please follow the link below if you would like to apply for the Eligible 2 funding (which can be accessed at RHNS) :

Early Learning and Childcare Eligible 2 Application Process | Aberdeen City Council

Please contact the nursery directly for information on how the Early Years funding is offered at Rocking Horse Nursery. Currently, the free 1140 hours is offered as the following:

Staff Parents – 49 weeks

Student Parents 49 weeks or 38 weeks

The table below sets out how you can access the funding as sessions at RHNS

	Staff	Students
49 weeks	5 morning sessions or 5 afternoon sessions	5 morning sessions or 5 afternoon sessions
49 Weeks	2.5 full days	2.5 full days
38 weeks	N/A	3.225 full days

If you have any further queries on this please ask the nursery management team.