We are now officially in recession, which means that the Government must redouble its attempts to support the early years sector in the looming Spring Budget.
The latest two reports from sector organisations which provide data on why providers continue to be in a tailspin (analysis, page 6) simply cannot be ignored as the Government pushes ahead with its plans for expanded childcare.
The disconnect between messages coming from Government for parents about what they can access as part of the ‘free’ offer and what in reality will be available is widening all the time. The sector is in danger of losing the trust of the customers it relies on, just as it needs to be professionalising its image.
At Nursery World’s Business Summit (2 February), children’s minister David Johnston pointed out that no-one is forcing providers to participate in the expanded entitlement. However, as we’ve already seen, parental awareness and demand for the places is running high, putting providers in a pressured situation. Without a substantial increase in funding and a raise in workforce pay to bolster recruitment, providers will clearly not be able to meet parents’ expectations.
As Mr Johnston fielded questions at the NW Summit – and he certainly gave generously of his time – it was once again apparent that the task of imposing this policy on a mixed market economy, with so many diverse business models and local economic factors, is massively complex, and simply not doable without a long-term strategy.
As the New Economics Foundation has pointed out, the ‘free’ offer will remain transactional, as a subsidised purchase for parents, and not necessarily something they can rely on.
While Labour has been quick to criticise and is flagging its ‘own expert review’, we’ve had no details. When will we learn more, I wonder?
