On the cheap

Parents will discover that local authorities have recently increased the level of free nursery education, in line with government policy.

The actual increases are from 12.5 hours per week to 15 hours, and for 38 weeks in place of the former 33 weeks. (Initially the increases will be restricted to children from less advantaged backgrounds, but from 2010 the increase will be available to all.)

Bearing in mind that many people are convinced that many problems are emanating from poor family background, this is to be welcomed, but....

Many of the "schools" in the private sector which embraced the principle originally are now having doubts, because of inadequate funding. Many have found that complying with Ofsted supervision and visits is expensive. In addition they are acting as social workers, monitoring and reporting on possible problems on behalf of the council and government and complying with Health & Safety, etc.

The result for the private nurseries is that the "loss" they had to cover (income per child per hour from the council of £3.45 did not cover total costs of nearer £6) will now be too great, and many will go out of business, to the loss of many communitites.

They will be replaced by increased council provision (- sorry council-tax payers!), and a loss of variety and choice will make many children less well treated.

As usual, the government in trying to do something "on the cheap" will mean that quality suffers.