Many communities that stand to benefit from the expansion of childcare opportunities are those that can least afford 'market rates'. Most of these have some daycare facilities already in place, for example local authority day nurseries and Sure Start. No one should be surprised to discover that the big nursery and daycare chains were disinclined to venture into these areas. They are in business to make profits, and the opportunity for profit isn't there.
It would have been much more sensible to direct the money available into existing public sector provision. Also schools, already part of the local community, where there is spare capacity, could be encouraged to make this available for community use. This would cut down the necessity of new-build expense and make use of buildings right in the heart of the most needy communities.
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