2020 has begun, somewhat predictably, with continuing and growing concern about funding rates for the ‘free’ hours of childcare that are threatening the sustainablity of many early years settings.
As we report on pages 8-9, providers across the country are complaining of being unable to budget properly for the next financial year as many councils have either decided not to consult on the new rates or have delayed talks as April looms.
Any rise is only likely to be a few pence per hour anyway, despite National Living Wage increases adding to the problems of existing, long-standing underfunding.
Meanwhile, the National Day Nurseries Association has released research showing that local authorities have been underspending the money they receive for funded hours – to the tune of £63.5m in 2018/19.
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