Mothers on the payroll?

Oh I don't know, Greatnan , the Beano has had it's moments!

No, it wasn't you who made the comment I referred to, Greatnan. In fact I can't remember exactly who it was - it just reminded me at the time of the way Jasper Carrott used to make fun of 'Sun readers'.

I don't understand that letter either. I understand that nursery is good for children, but isn't it free? I mean, like school is "free". Or are there still not enough places?

Or is it only working mothers who get subsidised nursery?

Come to think of it, my DD had to pay playgroup fees. Perhaps that is what it means.

Private day nurseries aren't free, jingl! They're bloody expensive - working tax credits go towards the fees in my DD's case, but it's still a big chunk of her actual earnings.

Well I suppose that's what the letter writer means. Mums who would rather stay at home are being forced out to work for pay for private nursery fees. Otherwise their children will miss out on important early years education.

I don't think that's what the letter-writer means. She's talking about day care for babies and children of any age while their parents work.

Nothing to do with schoool education, which is of course free! Are you getting confused with nursery classes in schools, perhaps, jingl?

It's a really badly written letter.

Every three and four year old in England and Wales is entitled to 15 hours a week of preschool provision for 38 weeks a year. I know because my grand-daughter uses it for her little girl. Whether or not the mother works is irrelevant, as is parental income.

The only subsidy is for pre-school children over 3 who have 15 free hours per week. My GC all had this tacked on to their private nursery care, so the fees for that came down as soon as they hit 3. Both families are a good deal better off now all the GC are at school.

No. I'm talking about nursery education. The sort that can be legitimately had now in playgroups, local authority nurseries and private nurseries. They all have the same 'curriculum' they have to adhere to.

Usually from about two and a half until the four year olds go into reception at primary school.

After school and holiday care still has to be paid for, though.

I mean, perhaps these would-be SAHM's feel their children would benefit from full time nursery education but cannot afford to pay the extra money that would be required.

I have read this woman's letter 10 times and still can't make out what she's on about!

*Phoenix, are you sure you cut and pasted properly?

Yeees...I sort of see what you mean..

That was in reply to jingl.

Riverwalk

Ana I'm off to cook me tea!!!

The letter is badly written as it is open to different interpretations, but I got the idea that the writer just wanted to be paid to stay at home with her children, not to send them to nursery. I wonder if she thinks a single Dad should have the same privilege? I don't know which countries have this system, other than extended maternity or paternity leave in some Scandinavian countries.

I think the 'mums being paid' thing is separate. I don't think that what she means.



Gill from Wimborne - Must try harder.

I wonder if she's a Mumsnetter? Perhaps we could contact her.

Ana pop over and try.

On yer bike!

jO5 I wonder if she's a daughter of a Gransnetter!

Not guilty, I have sons

I might give it a try Ana, after I've eaten this dinner.

How do we know how old she is, though? She might be a concerned grandmother. She might even not have children at all!