MP criticises 30-hour childcare policy for ‘stealing’ from state-run nurseries

The Government is paying for its 30-hour childcare giveaway by “stealing” from state-run nurseries, an MP has said.

Free care given to three and four-year-olds is set to double from the current 15 hours next year.

But MPs have warned that nursery schools will not be able to afford the pledge.

Speaking in education questions, Conservative MP Andrew Bingham said maintained nurseries are concerned about the level of funding they will receive when the 30 hours come in.

And Labour MP Daniel Zeichner (Cambridge) said: “Isn’t it really the case that the 30-hour promise is being funded by stealing resources from state-run nurseries that employ fully qualified headteachers and staff?

“And can you tell us what analysis you have undertaken of the damage that will be done by the cuts being made to state-run nursery schools.”

Education Minister Caroline Dinenage dismissed the question as a “churlish comment”, adding: “We are investing more money in this policy than any government ever has spent before – £6 billion. You really need to be a bit more appreciative.”

She said the Government has provided councils with an extra £55 million a year for nursery schools until 2020.

The minister added: “We are committed to ensuring that we have the high-quality, affordable childcare that families need, and we are on track to deliver 30 hours of childcare to working parents.

“We are investing in record funding of £1 billion per year by 2020, have announced a fairer early years funding system, and eight early implementer areas and are already providing nearly 4,000 places one year early.”

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