Free childcare is available despite the reduced number of childcare places as the new government childcare bill undergoes implementation.
Biggest Expansion in Childcare
The newly initiated government bill has been recently launched and labelled “the biggest ever expansion in childcare.”
Spring Budget for Childcare
In 2023, the Department of Education proposed restructuring support to make returning to work more accessible and cheaper for working parents.
Childcare System Crash on the Cards
The Labour Party has accused the Conservatives of threatening the childcare system “just like they crashed the economy.”
The Free Childcare Now
Parents who work more than sixteen hours a week and earn less than £100,000 are entitled to 30 hours of free childcare a week for children aged three to four.
Nine Months and Older Are Also Entitled
With the new bill, children over nine months with working parents are entitled to 15 hours of free childcare from September 2024.
15 Free Hours for Two-Year-Olds
According to Labour, the bill’s rollout starts in April with the introduction of 15 free hours for two-year-olds.
Parents Promised 30 Free Hours in 2025
Ministers have guaranteed parents that by September 2025, working parents with children under five will be entitled to 30 free hours of childcare starting from the end of maternity leave.
Conservatives Haven’t Thought This Through
Labour has accused the Conservatives of intervening too soon, as many families struggle to enroll their children. The Conservatives have stated they have a “childcare pledge without a plan.”
Childcare Places Have Fallen by 1000
Data from Ofsted suggests that between March and December 2023, childcare places have fallen by more than 1,000 when analyzed out of 1 2 million.
Free Childcare Needs Infrastructure to Deliver
Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Early Years Alliance, has expressed his concerns that the childcare bill contains unrealistic expectations.
Staff to Child Ratio Altered
The staff-to-child ratio has been increased; thus, one staff member can now look after five children, one up from the current rule.
Providers Can Choose Whether to Adapt the Ratio
The changes in the ratio have undergone safety consultation, but the government is allowing the ratio change to be optional for childcare providers.
Execution Needs Investment
Leitch believes that the free childcare program must be paired with the necessary investments to create the infrastructure required to execute the plan.
Nurseries Have to Cap New Funded Positions
Several nurseries, preschools, and childminders have had to limit the number of newly funded places they can offer to avoid going bankrupt.
Government Believes the Raise Is Sufficient
The government has increased the hourly rate for childcare providers, sufficient for the 30-hour entitlement, or so they believe.
Promise to Be Kept Even With ”Botched Plan”
The shadow education secretary, Bridget Phillipson, asks the chancellor to ensure that parents eligible for the free childcare don’t fall victim and lose out due to a “botched plan.”
Childcare Chaos
Labour published a collection about “childcare chaos,” which housed testimonials from nurseries and parents across England who complained about the costs, additional fees, and waiting lists of up to 18 months.
Where Tory Failed, Labour Will Succeed
Ms Phillipson said, “ After 14 years of Tory failure, it will be Labour who get on the job and finally deliver the much-needed childcare for parents.”
Labour Party’s Win Will Risk the Expansion Plan
Phillipson is adamant that Labour will reform the childcare system and “deliver accessible, affordable early years education.”
Empty Promises Without Support
This plan will only be feasible if they can provide the support that the childcare sector needs to keep its promise to parents.
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