Network Whispers - DfE use of figures, 30 hours celebrations and Universal Credit

COULDN’T MAKE IT UP? Outrage that the DfE has included private school fees in its ‘record’ levels of state school spending has led the sector to question the ‘£6bn-a-year by 2020’ it regularly quotes in relation to early years. Sources say that unlike the OECD figures quoted on schools, the £6bn has always been quoted as Government spend and is unlikely to contain parents’ average fees.

CHEEKY TIPPLE A reception was held at the House of Commons on 11 September to mark the first year of the 30 hours programme. Childcare minister Nadhim Zahawi did find time to attend – unlike at a recent event on problems with the policy. A DfE spokesman blamed diary clashes for the latter.

CONFERENCE CALL While some councils have now started using the word ‘funded’ in relation to 30 hours, the Prime Minister resolutely stuck to the script in her conference speech. ‘We know how hard people work to make ends meet and provide for their families… it’s for them that we cut income tax, introduced a National Living Wage, extended free childcare.’ Ken McArthur, formerly of Polly Anna’s Day Nursery in York, said, ‘What a disappointment to only get the tiniest mention and at the same time insult parents and early years providers’ intelligence by using the discredited term “free”!’

UNIVERSAL HEADACHE In response to a call for feedback for a Select Committee hearing about Universal Credit and childcare costs on 24 October, the NDNA has been informed that the new benefit causes problems for settings trying to help parents claim back money from their childcare costs. One nursery said, ‘[The DWP] asks for specific amounts on a month-by-month basis when most providers work out yearly fees and only issue one invoice.’ Another member said her parents had spent the money they had claimed back – but not on childcare.