Despite government rhetoric about closing the gap and helping the ‘just about managing’, its policies are quite clearly acting in the opposite direction.
Children’s centres are being axed and diminished, and funding cuts mean that early help services are not affordable, leading to spending being directed at crisis support instead. The roll-out of Universal Credit has thrown more families into desperate circumstances, rather than helping them.
Although policies aim to get more people into work to lift them out of disadvantage, the problem of poverty for in-work households is substantial.
And the 30 hours programme is helping better-off families and shutting out the most in need, while under-funding of the ‘free’ hours hits quality and capacity.
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