Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleBridget Phillipson (Aaron Chown/PA) (PA Wire)Bridget Phillipson has urged the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to investigate hidden charges faced by parents accessing government-funded childcare. Eligible working parents in England are entitled to 30 hours of free childcare weekly, but many report being asked to pay additional fees. These extra costs include waiting list deposits, compulsory add-ons, additional hours, and charges for items like meals, nappies, and special activities. A survey revealed that over a quarter of parents cited cost as the primary barrier to accessing their preferred childcare options. The CMA has welcomed the education secretary's request and will develop a proposal for a review into the early years childcare sector. In fullEducation secretary orders review of hidden childcare costs for parentsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
Bridget Phillipson orders hidden childcare cost review
Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleBridget Phillipson (Aaron Chown/PA) (PA Wire)Bridget Phillipson has urged the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to investigate hidden charges faced by parents accessing government-funded childcare. Eligible working parents in England are entitled to 30 hours of free childcare weekly, but many report being asked to pay additional fees. These extra costs include waiting list deposits, compulsory add-ons, additional hours, and charges for items like meals, nappies, and special activities. A survey revealed that over a quarter of parents cited cost as the primary barrier to accessing their preferred childcare options. The CMA has welcomed the education secretary's request and will develop a proposal for a review into the early years childcare sector. In fullEducation secretary orders review of hidden childcare costs for parentsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
