Hello.
We've been asked by the Department of Health for your views on the future of the Nursery Milk Scheme in England, Scotland and Wales.
Currently, nursery milk is a universal benefit: a third of a pint of free milk is provided for all under-fives having at least two hours of childcare, and any childcare setting can claim the cost of milk provided to any child, regardless of the child's home circumstances.
The Department of Health says the cost of the scheme has doubled in four years to £53m - with some childcare providers apparently claiming back 92p per pint provided. (The average price for a pinta is 36p in England).
So, the Government is now opening a consultation, to "explore options for modernising and simplifying the operation of the Nursery Milk Scheme to improve efficiency and provide better value for money, while ensuring that all children under five attending a childcare setting for more than two hours a day continue to receive free milk".
In other words, while the Government remains committed to providing free nursery milk, it wants to look at the potential impact on some cost-cutting options.
You can read more about the consultation on the DOH's consultations website - and click through to add your comments.
You may also be interested to read this BBC report.
There is also a separate survey for childcare providers about the current scheme and the possible effect of potential changes. Please do fill it in, if you're a childcare provider (closes July 16th).
As ever, you're all also most welcome to add your thoughts to this thread, too.