Parents face rising nursery fees amid free childcare rollout in UK
- The rollout of free childcare in the UK is facing challenges as nurseries increase fees due to insufficient government funding.
- Parents report a shortage of available nursery places, leading to difficulties in balancing work and childcare.
- The situation raises concerns about the sustainability of nurseries and the ability of parents to afford childcare.
As the second phase of the UK government's free childcare rollout begins, many parents are facing increased nursery fees due to underfunding. Despite promises of significant savings, a survey revealed that a third of parents expect price hikes outside of funded hours in the coming months. The financial strain is exacerbated by a shortage of available nursery places, forcing some parents to reduce their working hours or combine childcare options. The Early Years Alliance has highlighted that the funding provided by the government is insufficient to cover the actual costs of running nurseries, leading to additional fees for essentials like food and nappies. With a notable drop in childcare providers and concerns about the availability of spaces, many parents are left feeling uncertain about their childcare options and the sustainability of nurseries. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson acknowledged the challenges ahead, indicating that the rollout may not be smooth for all families, as the government now faces the task of addressing these issues to support parents and providers alike.