Phrase 'free childcare' cut by Labour amid fees anger

Ministers have banned the use of the term "free childcare" to describe a key government policy as anger mounts over nursery fees.

- KATE DEVLIN

Tory Jeremy Hunt announced plans to give children under five 30 “free” hours of childcare in his Budget last year, as part of last-ditch efforts to stay in power. But Labour accused the Tories of announcing a “pledge without a plan”.

The new government will stick with the policy, which will see a massive expansion of the current provision next September. But in a change of tack, they have ditched the word “free” and instead will refer to the hours as “funded”. Ministers said the move was a bid to be “really clear” about expectations for the scheme.

Parents can also be charged extra for everything from food to nappies. And critics argue the scheme gives the wrong impression as the 30 hours are not year-round, and only apply during term time, or for 38 weeks a year.