“Free” childcare
Isn’t Free
Its Knowingly Underfunded
The Problem
Chronic Underfunding
Early years settings are being asked to do more with less.
Rising costs, limited government funding, and increasing demand mean many providers are struggling to stay sustainable while still delivering the quality care children deserve.
Confused Parents
Parents are overwhelmed by changing guidance, funding rules, and long waiting lists.
Many don’t know what support their child is entitled to, how to access it, or where to turn when concerns about development or wellbeing arise.
Struggling Nurseries and Staff
Nurseries and early years staff are under immense pressure.
Recruitment challenges, staff burnout, and financial strain are making it harder to provide consistent, high-quality support for children and families.
The Untold Story
Fairy Tales of
“Free” Childcare
These fairy tales are inspired by real-world challenges in childcare —blending humour, heart, and advocacy to bring important issues to life.
The Princess and The Peanuts
The Three Little Nurseries
The Empty Slippers
The Princess and The Peanuts
The Little Red Hen and the Nursery Crisis
Empty Slippers: The Disappearing Workforce
Snow White
The Three Little Nurseries
The Magic Funding Pot
The Elves and Mr DofE The Shoemaker
It’s More Than Hours.
It’s About Their Future.
Read The Latest
Our Blog
Why We’re Called Free Childcare: The Untold Story
On the surface, our name sounds simple. After all, that’s what the government wanted to portray free childcare in the UK. It sounds like something positive.. Something that should exist in a country that says it backs working families. But the truth behind our name...
Safer Sleep in Nurseries: A Positive Step… But Who Is Paying for It?
We all want the absolute safest environment for our babies. No one is arguing with that. The government has recently tightened safer sleep guidance within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), and on paper, it’s a positive move. Clearer expectations. Stronger...
Sweden Went Digital and Now They’re Going Back
For years, Sweden was seen as a pioneer in education. Classrooms filled with tablets instead of textbooks, screens replacing paper, and a bold shift toward fully digital learning from the earliest years. It looked like the future - modern, efficient, and perfectly...