But family households - and indeed most small-to-medium businesses - have yet to feel the impact of this.
In July, the Government unleashed its More Affordable Childcare report, giving the sector much to digest. Wide ranging in scope, it rang some alarm bells and failed to address how 'affordable' equates to 'sustainable'.
Some proposals, such as increasing the number of hours that can be offered without Ofsted registration, were not welcomed. However, proposals such as tax breaks on childcare for working parents suggest a genuine intent to make the market more responsive.
As business consultant Gordon Beck outlines in our opening feature (p4-5), a move to childcare vouchers for 1.3 million families in the first phase of the tax break scheme could give parents a single point of access to all childcare funding and give the Government central control over the amount of free funding going to providers. While not quite the supply-side funding the sector has always desired, it could be the next best thing, creating a regular and more efficient flow of income.
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
