“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
Autumn Budget 2025: What is the Next Government Must Fix in Childcare
As the UK heads toward another major election cycle and the next round of budget decisions, one issue keeps rising to the top of national conversations. Childcare. It is often framed as a family issue, yet the reality is far more serious.It is an economic emergency, a...
Is It Still Play? How Quality Is Quietly Slipping Away in Early Years Settings
For years, early years professionals have fought to protect play, to champion it, justify it, and remind the world that it is not “just play,” but the foundation of every child’s social, emotional, and cognitive development. Yet today, we are facing a quieter, more...
Budgeting for the Unspoken: A Parents Guide to the Hidden Costs of ‘Free’ Childcare
If you’ve ever been confused by the term ‘free childcare’, you’re not alone. On the surface, it sounds like an incredible opportunity - a chance to ease financial pressure while giving your child a quality early years experience. But as many parents have discovered,...