Tummyticklers Childcare

We’ve recently welcomed lots of new and prospective families through our doors and, with the ongoing news and conversations around funded childcare hours, we wanted to take a moment to explain clearly how funding works here at Tummyticklers.

At Tummyticklers, we follow the government funding guidance and framework carefully while ensuring we meet the needs of our wonderful children and their families in a way that is transparent, supportive and financially manageable.

How we offer funded hours

We provide funded childcare across 38 weeks of the year, following the standard term-time model. This means we do not stretch the funded hours across the full 52 weeks.

Some settings choose to stretch the funding across the year, which can reduce the number of funded hours available each week and often results in higher additional charges for parents. If we were to stretch our funding in this way, childcare could become substantially more expensive for many families, including those who currently pay minimal costs or no cost at all for their funded hours.

By offering funding across 38 weeks, we aim to keep things simple, transparent and affordable, ensuring families clearly understand what they are receiving and what they may need to pay.

Consumables

We work hard to keep additional costs as low as possible. The only consumable we charge for is lunch (a midday meal), which costs £3.50 per day.

This is completely optional. Parents are welcome to provide a nutritional and balanced packed lunch if they prefer. This could include anything suitable for your child, from sandwiches to pasta, spaghetti or meals that we can heat up.

We also provide the following free of charge for all children:

• Breakfast
• Morning snack
• Afternoon snack
• Light tea

What parents provide

Parents are asked to provide personal care items for their child, including:

• Nappies
• Wipes
• Creams or other individual care products

Additional hours

We understand that families sometimes need extra flexibility. Parents can request additional hours with at least one week’s notice, subject to availability.

These hours are classed as private childcare and are charged according to our price list and the age of the child. All information about fees is shared clearly during:

• Initial enquiries
• Our parent brochure
• Funding information documents
• Visits to the setting

Any additional hours booked will be charged accordingly.
We believe the way we operate funding ensures families know exactly what to expect, helping to avoid unexpected or surprising costs at the end of the month.

At Tummyticklers we remain committed to providing high-quality care, honesty and clarity for families, while creating a warm and nurturing environment where every child can thrive.
If you have any questions about funded places or childcare options, please feel free to speak with a member of our team — we’re always happy to help.

Our Christmas event is getting closer, and we can’t wait to see you all there! 🎄✨

We’ve got a fantastic day planned, including:
• Christmas trade stalls selling a range of festive goods
• Free face painting
• Free tea, coffee and hot chocolate for everyone
• Arts & crafts activities
• Wreath Making – now fully booked
• Santa Claus
• Apollo Arts providing all the entertainment, including live music
• Letters to Santa
• Surprise festive characters appearing throughout the day
• Turners Funfair, with a selection of small rides for children to enjoy (rides will incur a cost)
• Billingham’s very own Town Crier, who will be on-site throughout the event
• Special guests from the Forum Theatre pantomime joining us at 4:50pm to help with the Christmas Lights Switch-On at 5pm
• …and plenty more!

It’s going to be a wonderful, festive celebration – we hope to see you there! 🎅🎁

Billingham Town Centre
Hellen Edwards Artist
John Whitehead Park Community Hub & Cafe
Nicola Rowling- Arty Nic
Tummyticklers Childcare
Turners Funfairs and Spanish City Funfairs

Donate to Teddie box in Germany, organized by Hannah Edmenson Hi my name is Hannah I am Teddies mam. Teddie has been doing boxing since he was 7 years old. Hi… Hannah Edmenson needs your support for Teddie box in Germany

🌟 We’re Hiring! Join Our Amazing Childcare Team! 🌟
📍 Based in Billingham
Are you passionate about making a difference in a child’s life? Do you have the energy, warmth, and commitment it takes to help little ones grow, learn and thrive? Then we want to hear from YOU! 🙌
👶 Level 3 Qualified Childcare Practitioners – Multiple Vacancies!
We’re looking for enthusiastic, knowledgeable and nurturing individuals to join our growing team!
✅ Must have:
A full and relevant Level 3 Childcare Qualification
A valid DBS (or be willing to get one)
Strong understanding of the EYFS framework and Ofsted requirements – or the willingness to learn!
💖 We’re looking for someone who:
Is passionate about working with children aged 0–5
Can build strong bonds with children and trusted partnerships with parents
Is fun, creative, and full of fresh ideas
Has excellent communication skills and a warm, caring personality
Is a true team player who brings positive energy into the room every day!
💼 In return, we offer:
A supportive team environment
Ongoing training & professional development
Opportunities for progression
A chance to truly make a difference
🚗 Childcare Driver – Part-Time / Full-Time
Do you love working with children and know your way around Billingham, Norton & Stockton?
We’re looking for a reliable and friendly Driver to support our childcare operations – picking up and dropping off children safely between our setting and local schools.
✅ Must have:
A full clean UK driving licence
A warm, professional attitude towards children and parents
Good local area knowledge or willingness to learn routes
✨ Bonus if you:
Have experience working with children or in a childcare setting
Hold a DBS (or willing to complete one)
Are flexible, punctual and calm under pressure
We’ll provide full support and training. You’ll be a vital part of our team, helping ensure a smooth and safe journey for every child in our care!
📩 Interested? Apply now by messaging us directly or emailing your CV to [email protected]
Or apply on Indeed!
📞 Got questions? We’d love to chat!
🎉 PLEASE SHARE THIS POST 🎉
💬 Know someone amazing who works in childcare or would make a fab addition to our team?
👉 Tag your friends, family, or former colleagues in childcare below!
Let’s spread the word and build something special together 💛