News

NW Business Summit: No plans to remove the word 'free' from the 15 and 30 hours, says children's minister

The Department for Education has no plans to remove the word ‘free’ when describing and advertising the funded entitlements, the children and families minister David Johnston told delegates at Nursery World’s Business Summit on Friday (2 February).
Children and families minister David Johnston speaking at Nursery World's Business Summit on 2 February 2024 PHOTO Colin Miller
Children and families minister David Johnston speaking at Nursery World's Business Summit on 2 February 2024 PHOTO Colin Miller

During a question-and-answer session with the minister at the summit at the Nursery World Show at London’s Business Design Centre, one delegate said, ‘I would like to make a suggestion that won’t cost you any money, but I guarantee you won’t do it.’

The minister jokingly replied, is it ‘for me to resign?’

The delegate went on to say, ‘I would like you to change the way the communications pretend it is 15 or 30 hours of “free” childcare.'

She questioned how she can tell parents they will have to pay £23.50 for 30 minutes outside of the funded hours as the money she will receive from her local authority from April doesn’t cover the actual cost of delivery.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Unlimited access to news and opinion

  • Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here



Nursery World Jobs

Bank Staff

Wandsworth, London (Greater)

Early Year Practitioners

Wandsworth, London (Greater)

Room Leader

Fulham, London (Greater)