Nurseries and childminders claim parents whose children have just become, or are due to become, eligible for the 30 hours are now more likely to say they want the advertised ‘free’ hours.
The National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) said it had heard reports by some nurseries in more deprived areas that some parents can’t or won’t pay for meals, and are refusing to send children with packed lunches as an alternative. Local authorities have told the nurseries that they cannot withhold care.
In some instances, parents are choosing to move their children to other settings if it means not having to pay for extras.
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