Since first unveiled in the Conservative Party 2015 general election manifesto, the proposal to double the amount of free childcare available to working parents of three- and four-year-olds from 15 to 30 hours a week has been criticised by early years organisations.
Of greatest concern has been a lack of government funding underwriting the policy, which critics say means that providers will lose money on each free place.
This is supported by findings from research showing nearly half of private, voluntary and independent providers involved in the early implementer pilot sites have seen their costs rise and profits fall (see graphics).
Other concerns include a lack of flexibility over what extra services providers can charge parents for, a shortage of places due to lack of interest in the scheme from providers, and technical problems with the government website for parents to register their eligibility.
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