Unions accuse childcare employers of profiting from Graduate Leader Fund

The government made £232m available to childcare providers via local authorities, through the Graduate Leader Fund, in an effort to have every full daycare setting graduate-led by 2015. The money is intended to fund training and salaries for professionals in a way that matches their qualifications.

Concerns about the use of the fund have been raised with trade union Aspect, which represents Early Years Professionals (EYPs) qualified to degree level.

Helen Willis, Aspect's lead officer for EYPs, told CYP Now: "We have one member who was told, unlike all her colleagues, she would not receive a pay rise as she is being paid through the Graduate Leader Fund."

Willis blamed the generality of government guidance, which encourages councils to give providers discretion over how to use the money. She said in some cases money simply "disappears" into settings.

But a Department for Children, Schools and Families spokeswoman said: "Salary enhancement is a key priority in using this funding, and we know from consultation with local authorities that there is a high level of commitment to this aim."

She said councils should also use the Sure Start, Early Years and Childcare Grant to support training and professional development.