Govt confirms FREE Childcare: Parents will not have to pay mandatory extra charges to access free childcare

The UK government has made it clear that parents who qualify for free childcare hours should not be forced to pay extra charges to secure a nursery place. This announcement follows growing concerns that some nurseries have been asking parents to cover additional costs beyond the funded hours.

Nurseries Can Request, But Not Enforce, Additional Charges

According to new guidance from the Department for Education (DfE), nurseries are allowed to ask parents for voluntary payments for extra services such as meals, snacks, nappies, and sun cream. However, these charges must not be mandatory. This means that parents should not be pressured into paying extra to access their child’s funded nursery hours.

Local Councils Will Monitor Nursery Charges

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The updated rules also emphasize that local councils must step in if childcare providers make additional payments a requirement. This move aims to ensure that parents are not unfairly burdened with unexpected costs while trying to access free childcare.

Free Childcare Hours and Upcoming Expansion

Since September 2023, parents of children aged nine months and older have been entitled to 15 hours of free childcare per week. For children aged three to four years, this allowance increases to 30 hours per week. From September 2024, the 30-hour benefit will be extended to all eligible families, following a policy introduced by the previous Conservative government.

Concerns Over Funding Shortfalls

Despite the expansion of free childcare, some nurseries have reportedly introduced extra charges to cover funding gaps. Many providers argue that government funding does not fully cover the cost of delivering high-quality childcare, leading them to charge parents for essentials that would typically be included in standard nursery fees.

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The government’s clarification ensures that free childcare remains truly free and accessible for eligible families. While nurseries can request voluntary contributions for additional services, they cannot make these payments mandatory. Local authorities are expected to monitor and enforce these rules to prevent unfair financial pressure on parents. As the childcare expansion continues, discussions around adequate funding and support for nurseries will remain a key issue.

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FAQ’s

What has the UK government said about nursery extra charges?

The UK government has stated that nurseries cannot force parents to pay extra charges for free childcare hours. Any additional costs for meals, nappies, or other services must be voluntary.

Can nurseries ask parents to pay for extra services?

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Yes, nurseries can request voluntary contributions for services like meals and nappies, but they cannot make these payments mandatory for parents accessing free childcare.

What should parents do if a nursery demands extra payments?

If a nursery insists on additional payments as a condition for free childcare, parents should report the issue to their local council, which has the authority to intervene.

How many hours of free childcare are parents entitled to?

Since September 2023, parents of children aged nine months and older can receive 15 hours of free childcare per week, increasing to 30 hours for children aged three to four. From September 2024, the 30-hour allowance will apply to all families.

Why do some nurseries charge extra despite government funding?

Many nurseries claim that government funding does not fully cover operational costs, leading them to introduce extra fees for essentials like food and nappies. However, these charges must be voluntary under the new guidelines.