Nursery World - Big words, little action

As 2017 draws to a close, I’ve been reflecting on how education policy has changed over the past year.

The early years agenda has been dominated by 30 hours. While the Government has waxed lyrical about the policy, providers have had to grapple with implementing it. And while take-up has been high for families on the highest income band, it has had a far smaller effect for those on the lowest incomes.

Those findings are unsurprising given the complex arrangements that many providers are putting in place. A number of providers recently told me they are charging for ‘extras’ including lunch and other top-up fees. One emailed me with several spreadsheets and information to parents about how its new fees are calculated, and I’m not ashamed to admit it was all utterly bamboozling. What is clear is that ‘free’ 30 hours childcare isn’t really free at all.

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