“Free” childcare
Isn’t Free
Its Knowingly Underfunded
LATEST BLOG!
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...
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
From Postcode to Playtime: Why Where You Live Still Determines Your Child’s Access to Care
Because a child’s opportunities shouldn’t depend on their postcode. Across the UK, thousands of children start each day in early years settings that look and feel completely different — not because of their needs, but because of where they live. One child enjoys a...
The Free Childcare Illusion: Parents Are Still Paying
When politicians promise “free childcare”, it sounds like a lifeline for parents. But behind the headlines and hashtags lies a more complicated truth, one that thousands of families are discovering the hard way.Because “free” childcare in the UK isn't really free at...
Not Just Numbers: How Underfunding Changes a Child’s Day
Because behind every statistic is a child’s story. When we hear about “budget cuts” or “funding shortages,” it can sound distant, something that happens in reports and meetings, not in the real lives of children. But the truth is, underfunding doesn’t just show up in...