“Free” childcare
Isn’t Free
Its Knowingly Underfunded
LATEST BLOG!
Why We’re Called Free Childcare: The Untold Story
On the surface, our name sounds simple. After all, that’s what the government wanted to portray free childcare in the UK. It sounds like something positive.. Something that should exist in a country that says it backs working families. But the truth behind our name...
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
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,...