Nurseries in England charging extra fees to cover funding gap, campaigners say
Nurseries in England are reportedly charging extra fees to parents to cover government underfunding of free childcare hours. A recent survey indicated that nearly three-quarters of parents have had to pay additional costs for items such as food and supplies. The education secretary has called for an investigation into these hidden charges affecting families accessing government-funded childcare.
- ▪Parents are facing extra fees for government-funded childcare due to underfunding.
- ▪A survey revealed that nearly three-quarters of parents reported paying for additional costs.
- ▪The education secretary has requested an investigation into these hidden charges.
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In a survey last year, nearly three-quarters of parents whose children were attending formal childcare reported having to pay for extras. Photograph: Alex Hinds/AlamyView image in fullscreenIn a survey last year, nearly three-quarters of parents whose children were attending formal childcare reported having to pay for extras. Photograph: Alex Hinds/AlamyChildcareNurseries in England charging extra fees to cover funding gap, campaigners sayHead of Early Years Alliance says additional charges paid by parents represent ‘cross-subsidy’Kevin RawlinsonMon 25 May 2026 17.30 EDTLast modified on Mon 25 May 2026 17.31 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleParents of nursery children in England are being charged extra fees to cover for government underfunding of free childcare hours, with some paying…
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