“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
The Reality Behind the Headlines: Why “Free Childcare” Isn’t Free
This past week has seen a flurry of government announcements about early years: Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s open letter to parents, full of promises under the Best Start in Life banner, and the appointment of Olivia Bailey as the new Early Education Minister. On...
What on earth is going on with childcare fees?
When the government announced that 30 hours of free childcare would be extended to children from nine months old, I felt a wave of relief. Like many parents, I thought this was finally the breakthrough we’d all been waiting for. Childcare is one of the biggest...
The Myth of ‘Free’ Childcare: A Crisis in the Making
September marks the arrival of the much-publicised 30 hours of so-called ‘free childcare.’ For parents, this announcement often brings relief. For childcare providers, it’s more likely to bring a deep sigh of dread. The reality behind the headline offer involves...