Nursery boss says 30 hours free childcare scheme will never work unless 'workforce crisis' is addressed

The boss of one of the UK's largest nursery chains has raised concerns over the government's plan for free childcare for under fives.

It was in Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's Budget last week when he revealed his proposal for all pre-schoolers to have access to free 30 hours of free childcare by 2025.

While the industry has largely welcomed the plan, there are huge doubts that it will have the capacity to cope with such large numbers of children.

Read more: Plan for 30 hours free childcare for under fives goes 'down like a lead balloon'

Clare Roberts is CEO of the Kids Planet nursery chain, which has more than 140 sites across the UK, including centres in Salford Quays, Urmston, Sale, Little Lever, Swinton and more.

But as well as recruitment issues, nurseries say the funding they currently receive from government isn't enough and leaves a shortfall, which has to be made up by the settings and parents.

"We are delighted to hear of the increase in childcare support for parents with younger children, which will help our parents with the cost of childcare," said Clare, whose company became the third largest nursery chain in the UK after taking over the Kids Allowed chain in 2020.

"For us as a provider, the key issue is around what the funding rates are and if all ages will be adequately funded. The current three and four-year-old funding rates do not cover the delivery of high-quality childcare."

The current hourly rate from the government varies across local councils, and currently ranges from £4.61 to £5.23 per funded hour, that the government provides to nursery operators.

Many nurseries are left with a funding gap of more than £5 per child per day - a figure they're struggling to manage.

"Another critical factor for us