Minister denies early years sector is in crisis

Children and Families Minister Vicky Ford told a packed parliamentary debate that there were no issues with funding, sufficiency, childcare costs, closures or practitioners living in poverty. The debate was sparked by a petition signed by well over 100,000 people calling for an independent review into early years funding in England. Vicky Ford announced that… Continue reading Minister denies early years sector is in crisis

Government is underfunding us – 95% of nurseries say

A comprehensive survey probing private, voluntary and independent nurseries’ financial sustainability has uncovered a dire picture with 85% of childcare businesses in England making a loss or only breaking even. Ahead of the Comprehensive Spending Review, National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) reveals the shocking landscape in which nurseries and childcare settings are operating, with 95%… Continue reading Government is underfunding us – 95% of nurseries say

Wales: Rates relief extended for providers

Registered child care premises in Wales will benefit from 100% non-domestic rates relief for an additional three years, the Deputy Minister for Social Services Julie Morgan has announced. The extension of the rates relief, until 31 March 2025, will provide £9.7m of additional support for registered childcare premises. This will help those who are facing… Continue reading Wales: Rates relief extended for providers