Blog
“This Is How It Starts”: What the France Nursery Scandal warns us about the UK’s childcare system
Across France, something deeply uncomfortable is being exposed. Not just individual cases of harm, but patterns. Children as young as three, attending école maternelle (state nursery schools), have come forward describing experiences that range from sexual abuse to...
Questions to Ask Your Local School-Based Nursery (Before You Decide)
Choosing a nursery is a big decision. And with the rise of school-based nurseries, many parents are being told this is the “best start” for their child. But the reality is, not all settings are the same. And not all environments will suit every child. So before making...
An Open Letter to the Department for Education and Olivia Bailey MP
Dear Minister, We write to you as a campaign group representative of the independent early years sector; providers who, for decades, have formed the backbone of early education and childcare across the UK. We are compelled to ask a simple but urgent question: How much...
30 Hours Free Childcare from 9 Months: Why It’s So Confusing for Parents
The government now offers funded childcare for children from 9 months old, but many parents are finding the system confusing, especially when maternity leave and term dates come into play. If you’re planning your return to work, it’s important to understand when you...
Understanding the 30 Hours Free Childcare Funding in the UK
The UK’s 30 hours free childcare funding can be incredibly helpful for working families but it can also feel confusing. Many parents are surprised by the rules, deadlines, and eligibility checks involved. Here are some of the most common questions parents ask about...
What “Free Childcare” Really Means: Why Care Costs What It Costs
When people hear the phrase “free childcare”, it sounds like a simple solution for families struggling with rising costs.But behind the headline is a more complex reality, one that many parents, policymakers and the public don’t always see.One way to understand it is...
Why humans take so long to grow up – and why that matters
If you’ve ever watched a foal stand within an hour of birth or a puppy tumble confidently about within weeks, it’s hard not to wonder: why do humans take so long to grow up? The short answer is evolution. The longer answer is far more interesting. Humans are born...
A provider’s response to the Mother & Baby article.
This article was sent to FCUKTUS by an nursery owner after reading the Mother and baby Article published on 10 February. The author wishes to remain anonymous. The recent article in Mother and Baby by Hannah Carroll about nursery...
Two Tiers of Nursery Inspection? Why Parents Should Be Asking Hard Questions About School-Based Nurseries
The Government’s rapid expansion of school-based nurseries is being framed as a solution to the childcare crisis - more places, more convenience and more support for working families. For many parents, that sounds like a long-awaited step forward. But beneath the...
The Deaf Ears of the DfE
Early years providers are being placed in an impossible position. The sector is under intense regulatory pressure from Ofsted to deliver inclusion and accessibility for all children, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. At the same time,...