“Free” childcare
Isn’t Free
Its Knowingly Underfunded
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Mind The Funding Gap
Mind the Funding Gap You have all been told that your nursery place is ‘free’. But there is a problem and parents need to listen or risk losing their setting’s ability to remain in the scheme. Imagine that the government decides that a burger and chips can only ever...
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
Mind The Funding Gap
Mind the Funding Gap You have all been told that your nursery place is ‘free’. But there is a problem and parents need to listen or risk losing their setting’s ability to remain in the scheme. Imagine that the government decides that a burger and chips can only ever...
DfE Complaint
COMPLAINT TO THE DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATIONRegarding: Early Years Funding Rate Methodology, Failure of the Public Sector EqualityDuty, and Flawed Evidence Base Submitted by: Early Years Providers — EnglandDate: May 2026 The Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MPSecretary of State...
‘Have you seen the calibre of people working in daycare?’
There is a small campaign in Australia to defund daycare and give the money to mothers instead. One of the arguments is, “Have you seen the calibre of people working in daycare?” Putting aside the rights and wrongs and practicalities of the argument, this should be a...