Pre-school Learning Alliance urges government to rethink proposed ‘staggering’ increases to Ofsted registration fees
NEWS RELEASE
6 February 2008
Pre-school Learning Alliance urges government to rethink proposed ‘staggering’ increases to Ofsted registration fees
The Pre-school Learning Alliance, the largest voluntary provider of childcare in England, has spoken out on behalf of its 15, 000 strong membership against the proposed increases in Ofsted registration fees, branding them ‘staggering' and urging the government to show greater understanding of the sustainability issues faced by the childcare sector.
Chief Executive Steve Alexander said:
‘The average percentage increase of the proposed fees from 2007 to 2010 is a staggering 1175 per cent, causing grave concern to providers who will be outraged by the steepness of the increases. The Alliance has consistently lobbied the government, highlighting the threats to long term sustainability that many providers are currently facing. The seeming lack of understanding of current sustainability issues demonstrated by these proposed rises is therefore extremely disappointing. This will just serve to add to the cost pressures on providers when most are struggling to make ends meet.'
‘There is currently great instability in the market, and the timing of these increases has been misjudged. New initiatives including the advent of the single funding formula, the growth of new children's centres and services, and the drive to increase staff qualifications still need to be factored in. They will impact on costs and occupancy levels and add further sustainability pressures.'
‘As a recent report shows, parents in the UK are paying much higher costs for childcare than their European neighbours. Early years providers are struggling to balance offering affordable care for parents with their increasing operating costs. For most, and especially in areas of deprivation, passing the increased costs on to parents is just not feasible. Concerned members of the Alliance have told us that the proposed fees will hit them, and the service they are able to provide to children and families, very hard. They are astonished and dismayed at what some are calling the final straw after years striving to accommodate government initiatives.'
‘We urge the government to rethink these proposals, or risk reducing the availability of affordable childcare for families and consigning a large number of early years settings to closure.'
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Anna Roberts
Pre-school Learning Alliance
T: 020 7697 2504
Out of hours press calls: 07956 499621
E: Anna Roberts
Notes for Editors:
- The Pre-school Learning Alliance is the largest voluntary sector provider of quality affordable childcare and education in England.
- Through direct provision and its membership of 15,000 nurseries, sessional pre-schools and parent and toddler groups, the Alliance supports over 800,000 children and their families in England. The Alliance also develops and runs family learning programmes, offers information and advice, runs acclaimed training and accreditation programmes and campaigns to influence early years policy and practice.
- The Pre-school Learning Alliance urges members to contribute to the charity’s response by contacting Press and Parliamentary Manager, Kate Summerside by 15 February.
E: kate.summerside@pre-school.org.uk
T: 020 7697 2502 - For information about the Pre-school Learning Alliance, visit our website: www.pre-school.org.uk