According to the data received from 128 local authorities, nurseries will receive an average hourly rate of £4.37, up from £3.97 in 2016/17.
Moreover, seven local authorities that responded gave average rates for three- and four-year-olds of less than £4, despite the Department for Education pledge that local authorities would be able to pay providers an average of ‘at least £4 per hour’.
The NDNA warns that the rise is 'totally inadequate' and says that it will cause some providers to opt out of providing the expanded entitlement, which comes into force in September.
It says it is now ‘crunch time’ for a sector faced with bigger losses on funded places, as costs such as business rates continue to rise.
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
