Bridget Phillipson was last night warned her flagship childcare plans are at risk of collapse because of Labour’s National Insurance raid.
In a letter to the Education Secretary, 27 leading organisations representing children, parents and childcare providers said families face being let down without urgent action, including relief from the punishing NI hike imposed by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
From today, eligible working parents of children aged from nine months to four years in England can access 30 hours a week of government-funded childcare during term time.
But the early years industry has warned Ms Phillipson that she risks breaking the promise unless she delivers greater financial support for the sector and its workforce.
One in ten nurseries and childcare providers say they face closure within the next two years without help.
