While Government guidelines state a charge cannot be made dependent on a place, many nurseries require the additional money to make up the funding shortfall and to continue operating.
A Nursery World poll found that three-quarters (75 per cent) of providers are experiencing growing reluctance from parents to pay a voluntary charge. The live Instagram poll, which ran for 24 hours, was viewed by 192 users.
One nursery owner, who runs a setting in Worcestershire, said she thinks some parents have a preconceived idea that settings are ‘lining their pockets’.
She recently introduced a £5 daily charge for the few parents in her setting eligible for the 30 hours. She said each year she ‘experiences anxiety’ over whether she will survive the next 12 months.
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