Despite DfE claims that childcare settings will now receive a ‘boost’ in funding rates (as of last week - 1 September), many providers say they are to receive £5 or less per hour for three and four-year-old places.
In a release sent on Friday (1 September), the Department for Education (DfE) said ‘nurseries and childminders up and down the country will be paid more for every Government funded hour they provide to parents.’
It goes on to state that hourly funding rates paid to local authorities have increased from an average of £5.29 to £5.62 for three and four-year-olds, and from an average of £6.00 to £7.95 for two-year-olds.
However, many providers on Facebook have said that the rate they will actually receive to deliver funded three and four-year-old places is £5 or less per hour.
