25/05/2026
The whole debate around “hidden childcare charges” honestly feels like another example of politicians and parts of the media talking about our sector without the slightest understanding of what it actually takes to keep nurseries running.
Bridget Phillipson wanting the CMA to investigate providers might sound good politically, but it completely ignores the bigger picture.
The government created a system they proudly labelled “free childcare”, while fully aware the funding rates do not cover the real cost of delivering care.
That is the truth at the heart of this.
Nurseries/Childminders did not create this situation. Providers have been warning for years that the sector is underfunded and financially stretched to breaking point. Yet settings are still expected to absorb rising wages, National Insurance increases, pensions, food inflation, utilities, training costs, safeguarding requirements and now SSP from Day 1 as well.
Meanwhile, the public is being encouraged to believe the problem is nappies and snacks.
And the comments about “£16 worth of chicken nuggets and Babybels” honestly miss the point completely.
Parents are not paying for nuggets (as if we’d be allowed to serve that!!).
They are paying for safe staffing ratios, qualified practitioners, resources, cleaning, training, safeguarding, SEND support, utilities, hygiene, emotional care and environments where children feel secure and thrive.
Anyone running a childcare provision knows the cost of providing high quality childcare goes far beyond what ends up on a plate at lunchtime.
What is particularly frustrating is watching private childcare providers increasingly painted as the problem, while at the same time government announces more investment into school nurseries because children are supposedly not “school-ready”.
I completely reject that narrative.
Many are school ready even before school age.
Their personal skills and abilities are recognised and encouraged. Their opinions and ideas are included in decision making in a daily basis.
They are taught to feel valued, and encouraged to understand directives put in place for their safety, and to help them transition into other learning environments.
I see children succeed and develop every single day, under the care and tutelage of their caring providers.
I see children leave our settings confident, capable and ready for school. The private sector is not failing children. In many ways, it is the reason the childcare system has not already collapsed.
Parents are frustrated. Providers are exhausted. And both have been put in this position by a funding model that simply does not reflect reality.
If government genuinely wants economic growth and wants parents back into work, then it has to stop undermining one of the very sectors that makes that possible.
Because childcare is not a side issue. It is part of the infrastructure that keeps the country moving. I did not write this and won’t take credit for it. But, it shares what childcare providers are saying amongst themselves. If it carries on there will only be school based nurseries left. Only termtime education not all year round care and love.
