“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
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On the face of it, the government’s plan sounds brilliant: more nurseries based in schools, more “free” childcare places, more choice for parents, but if you scratch beneath the headlines, the truth is far less shiny. Expanding nurseries in schools alone won’t solve...
When State Childcare Risks Becoming Institutional
I’ve been watching with unease as the Department for Education proudly rolls out its social mediareels, showing how easy it is for parents to drop off two children at school and nursery in the sameplace. But here’s the real question: who is this setup really...
Childcare Costs: The Truth Behind the Headlines
Over the past decade, few topics have stirred as much parental frustration and political rhetoric as childcare costs. The mainstream narrative has been clear: childcare is unaffordable, underfunded, and in urgent need of government reform. But what if that...