Parents to be charged to use the free UK Childcare scheme
The promise of the 30hrs free childcare scheme made by the Conservative party may be under threat, as many nurseries are unable to offer the scheme due to the lack of funds being given by the government.
The doubling of the free entitlement could leave many childcare provoders operating at a loss, the amount being given to nurseries will not even cover staff costs, therefore other options are being considered in order to make the 30hr proposal work.
The option of charging parents is being considered by nurseries, however, these charges must be optional a stipulation made by local authorities. The question is how many parents will actually pay it?
How are childcare providers to remain sustainable with very little financial support from Government?. Further support is needed to ensure high-quality childcare remains on offer to those families that need it? If we are not careful both providers and families are going to suffer as there will be limited childcare places.
For some nurseries who decide to offer the 30hrs free childcare scheme, they will get less funding than what they actually get now, meaning they will operate at a lost straightaway. Where is the incentive for nurseries to offer this scheme?
It is believed Government will be spending £6bn on childcare, let’s hope childcare providers see some of this money!
My setting has already refused to offer 30 hours.
This is such as concern as small business advocate and as a parent of 3 year old. We risk losing nurseries and possibly reducing the quality of care for our children!
When the amount of money per hour given by the government is less than the amount per hour it costs to fund a nursery place it is no surprise that nurseries are saying no to 30 hours. The government would be better saying to parents that they will get X amount of pounds towards their childcare per month and the settings can deduct that of the real cost and charge parents the extra.