She said, ‘Our survey shows that 76 per cent of nurseries are making losses on three and four-year-olds while half of nurseries are losing out on two year-olds. This inflates fees for all parents paying for childcare – both for younger children and additional hours for three and four-year-olds. This is unfair on families and not sustainable for nurseries if parents only use the funded hours.’
Early education places for two year-olds was the focus of a brief address from children’s minister Sarah Teather (pictured). She revealed that Mott MacDonald has been awarded a three-year contract to deliver strategic support for the development of free places for two-year-olds. She urged the sector to provide its input in order to influence its approach to training and advice. During the subsequent Q&A session, delegates raised issues around inadequate funding of free places and affordability for parents, while the Government’s Childcare Commission was welcomed as an opportunity to have a proper discussion about the future for childcare and education. 
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here