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Education minister Stephen Morgan tells The Mirror new guidance will be rolled out from April to ensure a ‘consistent approach’ across England – saving parents cash
Education minister Stephen Morgan has vowed to protect cash-strapped parents being overcharged by nursery top-up fees.
He told The Mirror the new guidance – published today – will be rolled out from April to ensure a “consistent approach” across England. The Department for Education said it will ensure providers make clear that charges for things such as nappies, sun cream, and snacks, are voluntary.
They warned the additional charges must not be included as a condition for parents accessing government-funded childcare hours. Mr Morgan said the government is “updating guidance to save parents cash and protecting them from overcharging from providers.”
Providers will also have to outline costs of chargeable extras on their websites by January 2026 to make the system more transparent. Mr Morgan said: “Parents will be able to see really clearly on their provider or local authority website what can and can’t be charged for so we can make sure there’s consistent practice across the country.”
He claimed it would bring clarity to the system, adding it will “make sure there is more money in the parents’ pockets and to make sure we’re really clear with providers what they can and cannot charge for”.
Early years providers have previously warned nurseries are having to charge for the extras such as nappies and outings because of shortfalls in funding. Mr Morgan said “he absolutely recognised challenges” the sector faces, but said by the next financial year the government will be spending over £8billion on early years provision.
As part of the funding, the government has also announced today £75million will be targeted to providers in the final rollout of government-funded childcare hours. Working parents of children older than nine months are now able to access 15 hours of funded childcare, before 30 hours a week to all eligible families in September.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson added: “Giving every child the best start in life is my top priority, and integral to our mission to ensure tens of thousands more children are school ready every year.
“That’s why despite the inherited challenges we face, we are pressing ahead with the investment and leadership needed to support families and make sure that every child, regardless of background, can access the high-quality early education they deserve.
Justine Roberts, Mumsnet founder and CEO, said: “Mumsnet users tell us that additional charges often cause confusion for parents, and can make budgeting for childcare costs even more difficult. This new guidance will help families to understand exactly what they’re paying for”.
