No help for parents in the budget, so do read my piece on the Spectator website - which of course mentions Gransnet.
www.spectator.co.uk/article/why-didnt-jeremy-hunt-mention-childcare-in-his-autumn-statement/
Good Morning Thursday 23rd April 2026
No help for parents in the budget, so do read my piece on the Spectator website - which of course mentions Gransnet.
www.spectator.co.uk/article/why-didnt-jeremy-hunt-mention-childcare-in-his-autumn-statement/
It's good SallyGrannyApr. I will say though that the criticisms made by parents of some GP's in your final paragraph, are also made by some GP's of their GC's parents.
Smileless2012
It's good SallyGrannyApr. I will say though that the criticisms made by parents of some GP's in your final paragraph, are also made by some GP's of their GC's parents.
Have just read the grandparent criticism - is there any evidence for the assertion that 'parents often' complain? A survey of a few thousand parents for example? Or is it just a couple of tersely-worded posts?
Surely this isn't true Sally
Reduced ratios would mean fewer staff so nurseries could reduce their fees
You would have to increase the ratio which I think is already high enough.
Where is the ONS 87,000 figure please?
Could you post a link? Thank you.
I receive childcare fees from parents through the following schemes:
Tax Free Childcare account
Workplace vouchers
Early Education Funding (15 and 30 hours)
Childcare Grant (through the Student Loan Company)
Universal Credit.
All the subsidised childcare schemes I'm enrolled with can only be used to pay an Ofsted registered provider.
I can't see that changing so that parents could use them to pay their children's grandparents, unless they became registered for that purpose.
Currently, even when a grandparent is a registered provider, they can't receive the EEF 15 or 30 hours funding.
They can receive payment through the Tax Free Childcare account.
I'm not sure about the other three schemes.
I didn't say GP's often complain did I Chardy and have no idea why you've accused me of doing so when my post which you have quoted says "some GP's".
And grandparents may not, in any case, be the ideal carers. Parents often complain that grandparents spoil the children: never say no, give them too many sweets, let them swear or talk back, or just do whatever they like. For every grandparent who’ll happily take them to the park, cook with them, visit museums, play Poo Bingo and talk to them, there are many others who will plonk the children in front of the television, or allow them to play with laptops without even supervising what they’re browsing
Do you have evidence that that is the case, please, SallyGranny?
In Scotland there are 1140 FREE hours of childcare for 3 and 4 year olds ,and vulnerable 2 year olds .That equates to @30 hours a week in term time .
The Scottish government child payment is 25 a week for children under 16 in families who get benefits ...any benefits as far as I know .So if you need extra hours the cash will be there to help pay for it .
My GD started nursery last month ,shes just turned 3 so her parents are sending her half days until after Christmas when mum goes back to work ,any time not used will still be there in the new session
It presently costs me £100 a month in petrol to look after my 2yr old DGS in his home while his mum works from another room for 2 afternoons a week. I'm very lucky in that I have a part time job as well as my pension so, at the moment, I can afford the expense. However it would be nice if I could at least claim the tax back on that. It would make me feel my contribution is recognised by the State.
I wasn't criticising what you'd said, Smileless2012, I was following it up.
Out of curiosity, could someone please tell me what “Poo Bingo” is? Thanks!
Withoutroots
Out of curiosity, could someone please tell me what “Poo Bingo” is? Thanks!
Well, obviously you are not fit to look after DGC!! 😂😂😂
I have no idea either but managed to look after a couple of DGC for a few years (successfully, I hope).
Few rules, no criticism, just like many families.
We never went to a museum either 😲
Poo bingo is a game where you match the poo to the relevant wild animal. A game sold in Wildlife type shops!
Childcare ratios in Scotland are already 1:5 for two year olds. I’m not aware that that is any less safe than in England. www.gov.scot/publications/national-cares-tandards-early-education-childcare-up-age-16/pages/5/
My dd has just discovered her childminder does exactly what Ms Feldman claims GP’s do - plonks her child in front of a telly and feeds her endless snacks.
. The CM is getting her jotters and Dh and I will be providing the care instead.
I'm my DGS's childcare. I'm the one who does his homework, limits screen time, makes him eat his veggies. All the boring bits. Mum is the fun one.
Callistemon21
Withoutroots
Out of curiosity, could someone please tell me what “Poo Bingo” is? Thanks!
Well, obviously you are not fit to look after DGC!! 😂😂😂
I have no idea either but managed to look after a couple of DGC for a few years (successfully, I hope).
Few rules, no criticism, just like many families.
Well, as midgey said, it’s quite literally matching the poo to the animal so I can see how our not knowing that would make us unfit for watching the young
. I’m embarrassed to say I have been going about my life ignorant to the “who’s poo are yous’” knowledge requirement. All I know for certain midgey are rabbit and deer droppings, which is no impressive feat. Thank you for explaining it to me
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