Feedback wanted to improve free childcare across Cambridgeshire
They survey asks parents how much they pay to access their 'free' childcare
Last updated 14th Apr 2023
A survey has been launched asking parents in Cambridgeshire how much they pay to access their free childcare.
It will aid Cambridgeshire County Council understand the local market for funded early and childcare places – also known as free childcare.
The findings will help make improvements to the Families Information Service, who work with families and childcare providers to address parents’ concerns.
Councillor and Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council’s Children and Young People’s Committee, Bryony Goodlife, said: “We know that parents sometimes face a variety of costs when trying to claim their ‘free’ entitlements.
“This can be due to patterns of hours and days imposed by providers, extra entitlements across holiday periods, and charges for meals and consumables.
“Sometimes, these charges are not itemised, but included as an additional hourly rate that parents must pay.”
"We need a clear picture of the current challenges faced by parents."
Committee Vice-Chair Cllr Michael Atkins added: “We need a clear picture of the current challenges faced by parents.
We understand some of the financial pressures that early years and childcare providers and families are under, and it is vital that we work together to ensure that any future funding model from government is sustainable for providers across the age range.
It is also essential that families understand what the funded offer gives them, and that they can access it consistently.
If providers are not sustainable, parents will not be able to get what they need, and neither will employers.”
How much does the Council pay for childcare?
Cambridgeshire County Council currently pays its providers £6.12 per hour for two-year-olds and £4.60 per hour for 3- and 4-year-olds, who qualify for a funded place.
A recently announced increase in the budget will apply from September 2023.
Cambridgeshire currently passes on around 96% of its funding to childcare providers directly through the hourly rate, and approximately 2% more through supplements.