Applying for a place
Grasshoppers in the Park nursery is a proudly not-for-profit parent-led co-operative.
Instead of outside shareholders, the nursery is managed by our parents and qualified practitioners in partnership. We keep the quality of our childcare high and the costs low through parental involvement. This is reflected in our fees - we assume at least one parent takes on a small role in running the nursery and will attend quarterly meetings where possible.
Your Level of Involvement, Your Choice
We know modern life is busy. That’s why at Grasshoppers, involvement is an invitation, not an obligation. From monthly check-ins to seasonal social gatherings, we ensure you always know your child’s friends and the faces behind their favourite stories—on a schedule that works for you.
For the Busy Parent Rest easy knowing our qualified team is providing top-tier care and education, following the ‘hundred languages’ approach where children explore through play, creativity, and nature.
For the Community-Seeker If you have a passion for gardening, a knack for DIY, or want to help organise social events, our parent community is always ready for a helping hand.
Flexible Options For those looking for a more hands-on role, we offer a "Parent Partner" program where you can work with us one day a week in exchange for additional childcare.
FEES BREAKDOWN.
SESSION LENGTH
Short day: 9.30am – 3.30pm
Long day: 8.00am – 6.00pm
Parents can be directly involved in management tasks, ranging from fundraising and accounting to gardening.
There is the option to work Parent Days at the nursery to offset a portion of your fees.
Fees are prorated over 12 months. This means full fee amounts are due every month, including those where we close for Christmas, Easter and the summer break (two weeks at the end of August).
Parents are required to pay by standing order.
We have a four-tier fee structure based on household income. All parents are asked to provide proof of income to ensure they are in the correct band.
Estimate your fees here - your final fees will be agreed when you sign your contract.
Grasshoppers In The Park — Fee Calculator
ANY QUESTIONS?
Have a look at our FAQs page, or to discuss joining or fees, please email our Nursery Manager, Luciana or call us on 020 8616 5450, we’re always very happy to hear from prospective families.
Discounts on monthly fees
PARENT DAYS Parents have the option to work with the children one day a week as play-workers, alongside trained members of staff. You don’t pay for your child to attend on your parent day and it entitles you to a discount of £120 on your monthly fees. Please note that you will be required to have a DBS check. Parent days are flexible, according to each parent's needs. The hours of work are agreed between parents and the nursery manager but 6 hours per day is the minimum required.
We offer 15 funded hours a week to all 3 and 4 year olds and 30 hours to 2, 3 and 4 years old eligible children. Please check www.childcarechoices.gov.ukfor full eligibility criteria.
There are free places available for two year olds from low-income households. Please email us grasshoppersinfo@gmail.comto discuss this.
A discount rate is offered to siblings attending the nursery during the same period.