![](/media/zhnllhem/5d23e73fbd601db9b21bb64bc79a8199.jpg?width=1002&height=668&bgcolor=White&v=1da4d5c333285d0)
The National Day Nurseries Association’s nursery business performance survey, in partnership with Nursery World and Pound Gates, warns that a growing gap in Government funding for free places for two, three and four year olds is pushing up the cost of childcare for parents.
The bi-annual report highlights ‘a worrying trend’ of ‘stagnating and decreasing funding levels’.
It urges the Government to ringfence the funding for free nursery education to ensure that the full amount local authorities receive reaches the frontline.
Nurseries report that the average rate of funding they receive for providing free places for two-year-olds is £4.89, below the average indicative rate set by the Government of £5.09 per child per hour.
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