Nursery World - Top-up fee ban 'will split nursery sector', providers warn

Private and voluntary nursery providers have warned that a two-tier system will be created, with children from disadvantaged families losing out on nursery places, following the announcement by children's minister Sarah Teather in last week's Nursery World that the Government will not change the rules on the free entitlement and remove the ban on top-up fees.

Anne-Marie True, chair of Save Our Nurseries, said, 'We are disappointed at the minister's decision to outlaw top-ups. To enforce what is effectively a price control will ultimately destroy the nursery sector. Her open promotion of side charges for extras is essentially dishonest. It is only a matter of time before a provider is taken to court as disproportionate amounts of money are being charged outside the free entitlement to remain sustainable.

'It is the child who will ultimately suffer, as inevitably high standards and quality will be jeopardised. Some will cut standards in a battle to stay within unrealistic price controls. Many unsung heroes will lose their jobs as more nurseries close down as a result of this flawed and unsustainable policy. Others will opt out, creating a two-tier system in nursery education.'

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