CYP Now - Government delays controversial changes to nursery free milk scheme

Controversial changes to the Nursery Milk Scheme, which will force early years providers to share information about children’s attendance, have been put back a year.

Children under five are currently entitled to free milk at childcare settings. Picture: Adobe Stock

The changes were due to come into force on 1 August this year but have been delayed until 2023, according to the Department of Health and Social Care.

Through the scheme, which is operated by the Nursery Milk Reimbursement Unit on behalf of the government, children under five who attend childcare settings can receive a third of a pint of milk each day free of charge.

But the changes leave providers facing a significant red tape burden by having to share redacted copies of their attendance registers along with notes on children who are unexpectedly absent, according to early years sector leaders.

Early Years Alliance chief executive Neil Leitch has branded the changes “unworkable and unnecessary".

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