Some nurseries and childminders have lost thousands of pounds under the scheme, and in a consultation on the tax credit last year early years representative bodies called for the Government to pay the money direct to the care provider. But the third annual conference on Early Years Development and Childcare Partnerships in London last week heard that while the Government has decided to keep paying the money to parents it will also be paid annually rather than on a six-month basis and 'safeguards' will be introduced to ensure the money pays for childcare and nothing else.
Dawn Primarolo, paymaster general, assured the delegates representing partnerships from all over England, 'The next generation of tax credit will be better than the last one because we talked to you.' The Government had received 'mainly anecdotal complaints' about providers losing money under the scheme, she said, but 'when we investigated complaints we found that most (children) were in other forms of childcare we would recognise.'
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