Childcare providers in Westcountry facing difficulties in offering free childcare
Plans to double the free childcare to 30hrs in the Westcountry could lead to childcare difficulties for many families. Many nurseries have expressed their concerns over the doubling of the free childcare entitlement. The scheme is to be rolled out in pilot areas this September and the rest next year.
For many childcare providers, the doubling of the free childcare hours may mean that they cannot afford to offer the extra hours. The increased hours could also cause financial difficulties, leaving many nurseries out of pocket. Nurseries are finding that the funding being offered is just not financially viable, leaving many nurseries considering the option of pulling out of the scheme. For some nurseries the doubling of the free childcare hours could be seen as a positive, however for other providers, this may not be the case.
If nurseries are unable to offer childcare places where will this leave families? Reports being issued have highlighted that what nurseries get paid for the free childcare hours does not cover the cost of actually offering the place; meaning nurseries are starting off on a loss. Nurseries at present rely on charging parents for additional hours to help narrow the financial gap.
Childcare providers are also considered not offering the additional 15 hours as this would mean setting are unable to charge parents additional hours outside of the funded hours.
According to the Department for Education, they are working incredibly close with childcare providers to help get the scheme ready for rolling out in September.