How will nurseries and schools provide 30hrs free childcare

With the 15hrs free childcare entitlement due to increasing to 30hrs in Septemeber for only working parents, concerns are being raised by nurseries and schools as to whether they can provide the 30hrs free childcare. Discussions around space, staffing and money are some of the points raised.

 

At present the Government scheme offers all three and four-year-olds 15 hrs free childcare as well as disadvantaged two-year-olds. A further 9,000 childcare places are to be created under a £50m scheme. 

 

For childcare providers to offer the increase in hours, further money is needed.  With the lack of financial help, it means some nurseries will not be able to offer the further hours.

 

Some providers are welcoming this move, giving further opportunities to help working parents. With £6bn being invested in childcare per year by 2020, it will mean more childcare places are available, enabling more children to access early years education.

 

However, according to labour, the additional funding amount is short of what is needed to deliver the free childcare entitlement, meaning there is no plan to raise the quality of care or to help childcare providers with sustainability.