I started my nursery six years ago and can only afford to pay my staff the minimum wage, because the only money we have coming in is from childcare fees. We can't tap into other grants or funding, except small business rates relief because we are private.
For the past six years I have earned between 4,000 and 12,000 per year, so it could be said we're not sustainable. However, I do this because I love it and it's my life.
The Government needs to prioritise funding for all nurseries, not just NNI ones and children's centres, then maybe the private sector could pay staff what they are worth and put them in line with staff in these other settings.
We all have a crucial job to do and what matters is that all children feel happy and secure, because then parents are happy going to work knowing their child is well cared for.
Angela Walker, Busy Bees Day Nursery, Whitehaven, Cumbria
