Nurseries are facing increased scrutiny following complaints from parents regarding fees being charged for “free hours” of childcare.

The Government has broadened the eligibility for children to receive up to 30 hours of free childcare per week. Despite the hours being free, parents have reported being obligated to make additional payments for services like meals, snacks, nappies, and extra activities.

Providers are allowed to offer these extras but cannot make them mandatory or a condition for accessing the funded childcare slots. Local councils have the authority to take action against childcare facilities found violating these regulations.

According to a report by The Sun, the Government is planning further measures to address charging practices within the childcare sector. Despite recent guidelines prohibiting non-refundable deposits and registration fees, complaints persist about undisclosed charges.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasized the importance of ensuring families are not burdened with hidden costs and that nurseries and childminders are delivering services transparently. Phillipson expressed determination to safeguard families’ access to the full benefits of the 30 hours funded childcare scheme.

Since September 2025, families with children aged nine months to four years have been eligible for 30 hours of free childcare weekly. To qualify for this support, parents of children aged nine months to two years must earn at least the national minimum wage for 16 hours per week but less than £100,000 annually.

All parents of three and four-year-olds are entitled to 15 hours of free childcare each week. Working parents meeting the earnings criteria can access the full 30 hours, leading to potential annual savings of up to £7,500 per child, as estimated by the Department for Education.

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