When the Primary Steps nursery in York announced it was to close at very short notice, parents were up in arms, left with just one week to find alternative childcare.
The Creative Education Company, which owns Primary Steps, had gone into administration. Eleven of its 27 nurseries are to close, with the remaining 16 being sold on. Henry Shinners, associate director of administrators Smith & Williamson, says that while a number of factors led to the company's financial problems, current pressures on private and voluntary providers of childcare certainly played a part.
Among the difficulties faced by the childcare sector, which include sustainability, staff recruitment and retention, and supply outstripping demand, is the issue of the free childcare entitlement - 12 hours a week of free childcare for children aged three and four, to be raised to 15 hours a week from 2010.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
