Mary, a mother from Wiltshire, has already decided to increase her daughter’s nursery visits to save money. She’s making it up from two days a week to three. We would too Sheila—especially about those new childcare supports. This pilot project will go a long way toward easing some of the cost imposed on families.
The announcement of additional funding for early years education has elicited a range of responses. We’ve heard from parents and nursery providers delving into the implications of this announcement. These parents, like Mary, are more than ready to get that support. Nursery operators are concerned that the funding will not be enough to keep their businesses afloat over time.
Mary is one of many parents who are excited that improved access to childcare will help families region-wide. Now, new childcare support has me equally pumped! Look out world, here I come! ” she shouted. She knows it will have a huge impact on her daughter’s development and future socialization.
There is still much more that the nursery sector is up against. Clare Goby, a nursery operator and one of a growing chorus of early years providers, said their work to keep the sector viable.
“Generally, across the board, I think all of us are struggling to keep afloat.” – Clare Goby
Goby pointed out that the funding that was available still isn’t enough to pay for the costs that nurseries have already fronted. She emphasized that assistance is lagging far behind what people are actually facing in the real world. Due to this, many childcare providers are at a breaking point.
“The actual funding itself doesn’t cover the costs that we have.” – Clare Goby
This development has raised alarms from advocates and providers in the childcare industry. Ms. Hazell, the operator of a nursery, added that she was already seeing local settings close down at that point due to a lack of cash.
“For many [nurseries], they haven’t got the means or the reserves to keep going and it’s heartbreaking when, every time I look around, there are settings closing just purely because the funding isn’t keeping pace with real-life costs.” – Ms Hazell
Minister of Education Bridget Phillipson, who is passionate about making wonderful early years education available. Her biggest goal is making sure families have access to high quality services. In her speech, she sketched an inspiring vision for early years education that’s equitable and accessible for all families.
“I want access to high-quality early years for every single family that needs it, without strings and without unfair charges.” – Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson
Phillipson further suggested that her hopes for early years education reach further than calls for short-term investment boosts.
“My vision for early years goes beyond this milestone,” – Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson
Mary is preparing for her daughter to start going to the nursery more often. Like most parents, she shares the optimism of the folks at home who are looking forward to new childcare assistance. As long as significant challenges persist for nurseries, the viability of such progress long-term remains uncertain.
