Nursery World - The poison grant

I noted in Beverley Hughes' 'Analysis' article (Nursery World, 23 November) how carefully she avoided the main issue - in certain settings, accepting the education grant money can put the setting out of business. My company has given advice to nurseries in respect of policies and procedures, National Standards, staffing and employment legislation since 1990. We have recently been consulted by a number of nurseries on the situation created by the new ruling.

My company has given advice to nurseries in respect of policies and procedures, National Standards, staffing and employment legislation since 1990. We have recently been consulted by a number of nurseries on the situation created by the new ruling.

The cost of providing nursery care differs greatly across the country. In Leicestershire, nurseries are paid 8.17 per child for two and a half hours. A place for a half-day session is normally 15 to 20, and this applies whether the child attends for one, two, three, or four hours, so the hourly rate is between 3.50 and 4, depending on the opening hours. The economics of this rate only works if the facility charges for the half-day, as generally staff can not be employed for just two and a half hours. Accepting the grant in this case just does not make business sense. The providers that benefit are the playgroups and facilities only open short periods.

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