CEY0328

Written evidence submitted by Best Friends Day Nursery Chester Ltd

This is evidence that we as a nursery buisness are struggling to keep going after 15 years. The rate of funding is only £4.18 for three year olds and we get nothing through the holidays but have to keep places open when children return. We pay full VAT and buisness rates. We have always paid a good rate of pay but now most nurseries are putting fees up by 10% which parents can not afford

This email originates external to the Labour Party network.

Hi Sam
Congratulations on your success as Chester MP I am the owner of a childrens day nursery in Hoole struggling to survive. Five nurseries have closed down in the area in the last few years due to underfunding I would like to invite you to spend some time at our nursery to see the fantastic work we do and discuss the issues thousands of nurseries are facing every day Childcare is essential to the economic growth of the country and time and time again we are forgotten We all stayed open during the pandemic allowing our essential services to carry on We do not get enough funding to cover the children that attend and have to leave these spaces open with no income over holidays such as six weeks over summer so these children can come back. The funding is not free all nurseries have to subsidise the short fall. The minimum wage will rise and we will have to put parents fees up to cover it. Parents already pay too much. We pay VAT on all resources and can not claim it back. Children over five receiving free school meals and children under five do not. The free meals should start with our youngest children especially the 2 year funded children.

January 2023