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The Little Lilypad is a lifestyle blog mostly written by a mum to two beautiful, cheeky and entertaining daughters. It is sometimes written by the Man on the Pad or by one of our baby bloggers. Occasionally we accept guest posts too. There is frequently talk of sustainable living, saving money, lifestyle and travel. It is hopefully helpful, sometimes funny and always honest.
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Free Early Learning for Two Year olds

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I was reading this week that some families maybe able to claim free early learning for their 2 year old children. If you have had children in the last 10 years, you will probably know that all three and four-year-olds can claim some free early learning time from their local council. From September 2013, the Government is now introducing free early learning for some two-year-old children. 

So why is this making my ranty Friday post?

We are told that two-year-olds from families claiming certain benefits (or who are looked after by the council) can claim a free early learning place from the beginning of the term after they turn two.  This is great for those children and I wouldn't for one moment suggest that they are not entitled to them but why is it only available for "certain" children?

I do appreciate that an element of the governments scheme is about tackling the symptoms of poverty but overall, childcare should be more affordable and accessible across the board, to allow more women access to employment. We hear lots about the government trying to get people back into work but ultimately the culture of employment needs to change, it needs to be more flexible and more family friendly, for a start.

I could argue that just because one family has a job and mortgage, doesn't make their child less worthy of a place but I was reminded this week by Alice about the other side. Alice said: "Whilst on benefits, I went to college and without that childcare I'd not have been able to help myself out of the hole I was in ... the girls in the same position all went on to work full time but at least 3/5 had to give up and go back on benefits due to childcare costs. But on the other hand I think that it shouldn't all be on one foot the working parents should be given the equal amount of help or you're at catch 21 again"

So which side do you sit on?

Do you think it should be a blanket availability to all children?

Do you think it is fair that is only available to "certain" children?

Shouldn't all children be given the same opportunities, regardless of their parents financial situation?

I could also start ranting about childcare should be tax deductableb for working parents but I may well be ranting well past Friday!!

 MummyBarrow

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Comments

  1. This is a tough one and it's a shame that not many families are getting the free child care to help them back into work. I was denied help because I didn't fit into the category.Although I was a single mother with two children trying to get my business off the ground surely that should have been enough to get the support. So I'm not sure what they were asking for. But It was a very challenging time for me as I was told that I would get the 15 hours free as my son was born. which meant that I had to take my little one everywhere I went to do business. So I agree there needs to be more flexibility and certainly more help for families. However I believe there is many avenues. I found a community nursery which costs me £50 a week then the other 15 hours is free from the government and more people this year have been able to secure free 15 hour places for 2 year olds.

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  2. I think it's a tough one. Do I like getting my child benefit? Of course I do. Do I need it? No I dont suppose I do really. Is it right that I get it? Yes, everybody is entitled to it if they have children. But from a limited pot of benefit money shouldnt it better that the money go back into the pot and help people like Alice who want to help themselves? And have young children rather than my three teens in full time education and me with a full time job? I think it is the same with childcare. If somebody needs it, then they should be entitled to it. Even if they live in a Million Pound house. Doesnt mean they have more cash available than the person next door on benefits.

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  3. I fall into the why should they get free childcare when I have to pay camp. As a working parent and paying high childcare bills each month I am angered to see that parents who are on benefits at home are able to access free childcare. They have access to numerous free sessions at local libraries and sure start centres that I cannot access as I'm at work but now on top of that they are entitled to free childcare... arghhh!

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  4. I think it should be available to everyone. Time and again the government use 'means tested' ways of offering benefits but these don't always reflect people's situations properly. There might be lots of mum's who, on paper, have a household income which excludes them because of their partner's work but who actually really need a job but can't because of childcare. I agree with you though, childcare costs need to be looked at, they are ridiculous and prevent so many women from accessing jobs.

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  5. I think the same rules should apply for both 2, 3 and 4 year olds because people on certain benefits aren't the only ones to struggle with the costs.

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  6. I think it should be availabe to all children whether their parents claim benefits or not!! It would make it so much easier for people to return to work sooner....

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  7. Totally agree that early learning places should be made available to all, for free, not just those on benefits. I would have returned to work a lot earlier if this was the case and I'm sure other parents would too! x

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