Ellie Ames 08 January 2024

Parents ‘set for disappointment’ over childcare expansion

Parents ‘set for disappointment’ over childcare expansion image
Image: nimito / Shutterstock.com

The Early Years Alliance has warned that while the Government’s offer of an extended childcare entitlement ‘may sound good in theory, the reality is likely to be very different’.

Working parents of eligible two-year-olds can already apply for 15 hours a week of funded care, due to be available from April, but many providers are yet to find out what funding rates they will receive for the new offer, the alliance said.

The scheme, announced by chancellor Jeremy Hunt in last year’s Spring Budget, is due to be extended to working parents of children from nine months old this September, and then upped to 30 hours a week in September 2025.

But with the early years sector facing ‘its worst recruitment and retention crisis in recent memory’, many settings will not have the staff to deliver the additional places, Early Years Alliance CEO Neil Leitch said.

Mr Leitch added: ‘If this policy is to have any hope of succeeding, the Government must tackle the huge challenges facing the sector as a matter of urgency.

‘That means a clear and comprehensive plan to tackle staffing shortages and, crucially, adequate funding for the sector, both now and in the future.

‘Anything less and, despite the Government's promises, parents across the country are likely to be left sorely disappointed.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Principal Information Governance Officer

Derby City Council
Grade
Derby City Council
Recuriter: Derby City Council

Amenity Cleansing Operative

Ribble Valley Borough Council
Scale 3 (scp 7-8) £26,403 to £26,824 per annum
Based in the Amenity Cleansing Section at Council’s Salthill Depot in Clitheroe. Clitheroe, Lancashire
Recuriter: Ribble Valley Borough Council

Social Worker - Family Support and Safeguarding - South Oxon

Oxfordshire County Council
£38220 - £49282
You will manage a caseload tailored to your experience, ensuring that children’s and their families’ voices are heard, and their needs are met. You will work with families using the FSS Workbook modules, and a strengths-based approach, ensuring the As Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Library Duty Manager

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £28,142 - £31,022 Pro rata
There is an exciting opportunity to join our Libraries team as a Library Duty Manager. This is a part-time (16.5hrs) temporary position, managing Seah Seaham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Library Assistant

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824 Pro-rata
Do you have a love of books? A passion for helping people and the community? We are looking for a part time friendly Library Assistant to help us de Stanley
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner