Is extending 30 hours childcare to parents on benefits fair?

[GimmieABreakOr3]

30 free hours of childcare to those in receipt of benefits is not fair.

Currently, the 30-hour childcare scheme requires parents to be in work to qualify. However, the UK Education Secretary has called for this to be extended to parents on benefits.

Many argue that those who are unemployed don’t need childcare. I agree. How is it fair that those of us in work are always propping up those who are not? It’s proper two tier Britain if you ask me when it comes to those in work compared to those who are unemployed and on welfare. I think Labour are ruining this country.

@Cheeseandolivesplease

ETA - if you’ve been teaching for 25 years, you’ll know there are many (many) parents who either are not able or are not willing to provide what you’re talking about.

It’s those children that would benefit from accessing those opportunities at nursery.

@Kirbert2 Research suggests 30 hrs isn't be beneficial at all.

@SleeplessInWherever Why would they be unable to do the basics?

Which research is that? The American one?

@Kirbert2 There is much research suggesting a top ceiling of about 20 hours. My own August-born son didn't start formal learning at all until the legal requirement in the UK (which is still far too young IMO), and he really couldn’t have (actually) done any better in his A-Levels than he achieved.

But nursery isn't formal learning.

@Kirbert2 That's my point. Parents can support their own child's learning.

Sorry to jump on but I can’t help myself! If anyone on here takes advantage of the 30 hours can you please let me know how much of a ‘top up’ you have to pay please? I know not everyone charges for consumables etc but my adult child seems to think childcare is going to cost her a lot of money when she goes back to work and I can’t quite understand why.

You clearly don’t teach anywhere near where I did. There are quite a lot of parents not doing or not able to do “the basics.”

You're a teacher. Surely you are aware of the fact that some parents can't or won't do that?

One of my team members does.

She pays for all the hours outside of 30hrs, which for her nursery is 3 days. The other 2 she has to pay in full for.

She pays for all 5 days during the holidays, where she doesn’t have leave in.

She also pays for food, as that isn’t included and provides separate milk/nappies etc for her youngest.

@Kirbert2 @SleeplessInWherever
Genuinely can't do things like play with play dough and share a book with their child?
Or won't?

I did say can’t or won’t.

And in the context of the child, it doesn’t matter which.

The whole point of this benefit to start with was to allow the parents to work, was it not? So what's stopping me, a working mum who couldn't afford childcare without the 30 free hours, quitting my job if this comes in for unemployed parents, seeing as DD would be entitled to it then?

@SleeplessInWherever That's why I potentially agree with 15 hrs, but not 30.

A teacher. Happy to help the children…. a bit.

Couldn’t write it.

The extra you earn, I assume.

If you weren’t coming out “up,” it’s unlikely you’d be working.

There aren’t many people working for the sheer joy of it.

@SleeplessInWherever It isn't the case that the 15 extra hours hold any benefit!

It will be can't for some and won't for others.

Again, as a teacher, how don't you know this?

@Cheeseandolivesplease

Depends on where they’re spending the other hours.

For children with engaging and committed parents, I’m sure there is little benefit to them spending every hour of the day at nursery.

For children who don’t, it’s an entirely different story.

I would hope you know that as well as I do. Unless you’ve only ever met effective parents.

I think it’s a great idea. Now when your child is 3 you must work at least 30 hours a week minimum wage- but to do that you must pay your childcare before you get the job and 30 days before you get paid. This way it’s much easier for people to find jobs as they already have childcare in place.

Rtt

research puts the beneficial hours at 15-20

@Kirbert2 Who, in reality, genuinely can't do these things?

There are already support arrangements available for childcare in this instant
if you rtt

I have read the thread. The only research I saw was American and I don't really see how it's relevant to our completely different system here.