Anne-Marie True, chair of Save Our Nurseries, said, 'We are disappointed at the minister's decision to outlaw top-ups. To enforce what is effectively a price control will ultimately destroy the nursery sector. Her open promotion of side charges for extras is essentially dishonest. It is only a matter of time before a provider is taken to court as disproportionate amounts of money are being charged outside the free entitlement to remain sustainable.
'It is the child who will ultimately suffer, as inevitably high standards and quality will be jeopardised. Some will cut standards in a battle to stay within unrealistic price controls. Many unsung heroes will lose their jobs as more nurseries close down as a result of this flawed and unsustainable policy. Others will opt out, creating a two-tier system in nursery education.'
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