ABOUT OUR ORGANISATION

 

‘Free Childcare: The Untold Story’ is a National Awareness Campaign launched by nursery/preschool owners, childminders, early years professionals, and advocates who are speaking out about the unspoken reality behind so-called ‘free’ childcare in the UK.

While politicians promise families 15 or 30 ‘free’ hours a week, the truth is these hours are not truly funded, not to a level that allows nurseries to survive, pay fair wages, or offer the high-quality care children deserve.

This campaign is borne out of frustration, heartbreak, and urgency. Every day, more and more nurseries are being pushed to the brink. Dedicated providers are closing their doors—not due to poor management, but because they simply cannot afford to stay open under the current system. At the same time, families are left in confusion, believing they are entitled to a fully funded service, when in fact the funding doesn’t cover basic costs like food, staffing, equipment, or premises.

Who Are We

We run nurseries because we believe in giving every child the best possible start in life. We are passionate about early education, inclusion, and creating safe, nurturing environments where children can thrive.
But right now, the childcare sector is at breaking point. Many settings, including ours, are being forced to make impossible choices — cutting resources, reducing staff, or closing entirely — because the numbers simply do not add up.

The Problem

 

  • Government ‘free’ childcare schemes are underfunded, meaning nurseries, preschools and childminders are left to cover the shortfall.

  • The cost of delivering specialist SEN care — extra staffing, training, resources, and tailored support — is far higher than the funding provided.

  • Demand is rising every year, with more children being identified as having additional needs, but no matching increase in sustainable funding.

  • Without urgent change, families will face fewer choices, longer waiting lists, and less inclusive childcare options.

Why It Matters

This isn’t just about early years settings. It’s about the future of children, families, and the UK workforce. High-quality early years care is vital to child development, social mobility, and the economy. But it is being slowly dismantled by a system that refuses to value it.

We’re telling the untold story—not to blame, but to build bridges between providers and parents, and to push for policy that actually works.

How You Can Help

  • Sign our petition to demand fair funding for all children.

  • Share our campaign with your friends, family, and community.

  • Write to your MP to highlight the impact underfunding is having on your local nurseries.

  • Support your local settings — your voice matters more than you think.

Blog