Harpenden Preschools

HARPENDEN PRESCHOOLS: From the term after a child's 3rd birthday preschool children are entitled to 15 hours of 'funded' education.  Some providers did not charge any top up fees and the places were completely free, but for others the Government contributions did not cover the running costs so they charged an fe (locally this can be up to £15.)  This has however changed,  as from April the Government stopped providers from charging any extra per session– so no more top up fees.  On the surface this is great news for parents, but things aren't as rosy as they sound!  Many of the local providers cannot afford to cover their costs, if they do not charge top up fees, this means that they may have to close down or opt out of the Government funding scheme all together (meaning parents will have to cover all of costs per session.) 

So that we don't lose the wonderful provision which we have in Harpenden pre school providers will have to be creative and think of ways to cover the short fall.  But fund raising through the PTA and voluntary donations aren't compulsory so there may still be funding problems.  Many Harpenden preschools will be affected and we may see a reduction in the number of places available, this may lead to large numbers of children having to stay at home until they are old enough to start school; this could have intellectual and social implications.

Parents in Harpenden are currently spoilt for choice  (Balloonatics Pre-School ; Fingertips Creative Arts Pre-School; Noah's Ark Playschool; Highfield Pre-School; Kinsbourne Green Nursery ; Skylarks Day Care; St Dominics Playgroup; St John's Playgroup; Southdown Methodist Pre-school; United Reformed Pre-school; Batford Nursery School ; Grove Infant and Nursery School; Roundwood Primary; The Lea Nursery Class; Wood End Nursery Class) but will the picture still be the same in 12 months time?  Is not allowing pre-schools to charge parents in order to top-up the Government's funding an ill-thought through scheme?  Charlie, a local mother of 3, said; "My eldest went to United Reform Preschool and my middle child is currently there- the quality of childcare they receive is wonderful; the staff really do love the children!  I am worried that when my third (currently 2 months old) is old enough to attend preschool the URC will have folded – they are going to have a shortfall of £18,000; there are only so many cake sales we can hold!"

If you have a child of preschool age and would like any further information contact your local children's centre which is on Holcroft Road, Harpenden (01582) 714 210.