MoneyChildcareThe Government has expanded the number of children that can receive up to 30 hours of free childcare a week - but parents say they have been hit with compulsory payments10:41, 23 May 2026Nurseries are set to face a new crackdown after parents complained they were being charged fees for “free hours”.‌The Government has expanded the number of children that can receive up to 30 hours of free childcare a week - but parents say they have been hit with compulsory payments despite the hours being free.‌Under the latest guidance, providers can charge parents extra for things such as meals and snacks, nappies, or extra optional activities.‌But these charges must not be mandatory or a condition of accessing a funded place. Councils can take action against childcare providers that are breaking the rules.However, the Sun reports that the Government will set out further action next week, including looking at charging practices across the sector.‌The guidance was updated earlier this year to include a ban on parents being charged non-refundable deposits or registration fees, but complaints are said to have still continued despite this rule tightening.Education secretary Bridget Phillipson told The Sun: “We have taken significant steps to strengthen guidance to make sure families are not hit with hidden charges they were never told about – and I know from speaking to parents across the country how much that has mattered.“The vast majority of nurseries and childminders are doing such a brilliant job delivering for families and I am grateful for everything they do.‌“But we still hear stories of hidden charges, restricted hours and excessive deposits making it harder for parents to get what they were promised. That is not acceptable and I will not stand for it.“The 30 hours funded childcare is a lifeline for families, saving them an average of £8,000 a year. Every family deserves to feel that in full, not have it quietly eaten away by charges that were never clearly explained or hours that are restricted in ways that simply do not work for working parents.“I will do whatever it takes to make sure every family gets a fair deal and every child gets the best start in life – and I will be looking to take further action very soon.”‌30 hours free childcare explainedSince September 2025, all eligible families with children aged nine months to four years can access 30 hours of free childcare a week.If your child is between the age of nine months and two years old, you must be earning the equivalent of the national minimum wage for 16 hours a week, on average, but less than £100,000 a year, to qualify for free childcare.All parents of three and four-year-olds are entitled to 15 hours free childcare a week as standard, regardless of whether they are in work.Article continues belowWorking parents with children of these ages can claim the full 30 hours if they meet the earnings criteria. The Department for Education (DfE) estimates working parents save up to £7,500 a year per child.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌NurseriesChildcare