Parents may be asked to pay charges for free childcare

To help tackle a shortfall in funding parents may be asked to pay charges towards the 30hrs free childcare entitlement.

The 30hrs free childcare pilot scheme is to be introduced in certain county’s next month; it is only offered to three and four-year-olds. Many childcare providers have spoken out about the funding shortfall meaning parents may be asked to pay extra charges. Nurseries in York are set to lose tens of thousands of pounds, leaving some nurseries a tremendous financial strain.

The government have stated that nurseries cannot charge parents for the 30hrs free childcare. However, parents can be asked to pay a contribution towards the cost of food and any extra activities. Some nurseries are looking into introducing a funded hours charge which will include meals.

Also, families with children claiming just the free childcare entitlement will also not be able to dictate where they would like their child to attend or the sessions available.

Other areas piloting the scheme this September are:

•  Wigan
• Staffordshire
• Swindon
• Portsmouth
• Northumberland
• York
• Newham
• Hertfordshire,

What are your views on parents paying an extra charge?