Hello Chris,
The clutch operates with the brake fluid. There is an adjuster to keep the pedal at the same place all the time. This means that as the clutch is worn out, you will not experience any symptoms and it will bite like it was brand new.
Obviously as you have found out, this is not the case anymore. I think the release bearing needs to depress the pedal in full and then if the noise changes, you have a good indication that this can be the problem.
Because of the adjustment mechanism, it may still work out even in the slight depress. I do not think there is a lot of do to stop the problem. You will need to remove the clutch and find out what needs to be replaced.
But then it is too late and you will end up replacing the clutch at the same time and not just the release bearing because paying for the labour will be the bigger cost.
If you DIY it, then you only need to worry about sourcing the parts. If you pay a garage to do it, the costs depends on where you live. If you have a garage you take the car for maintenance or MOT, they will give you some indication of the problem and the cost.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDkal6lUDp4&ab_channel=xtremegearheadsIt does not look like you can do this at home. You basically disassembly the whole car and this is not something that will work out on axle stands. If you are experienced, you could do it but it will not be easy.