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Good evening
I am writing to express my views on the amendments proposed to NEF. I have 4 children, the youngest of which is due to start her pre-school year September 2017. I think these changes are very unfair.
My husband and I earn just over £75k between us. If the changes are going to be brought in I think the timescale is too short. We had already budgeted for our daughter and now do not know how we will afford her pre-school year. If we loose the free hours then she will probably only go to nursery for 3 days per week which could put her at a disadvantage when starting school. I think 3 years notice should be given.
It seems very unfair that people will be penalised for going to work. Those who can't be bothered to look for a job seem to get everything handed to them on a plate whereas people who actually work hard, pay their tax and social security are going to get the little help that they are given taken away from them.
I also think that if these ridiculous changes are brought in they should be for both private and school nurseries. When my eldest child attended pre-school there was no NEF so only the school nurseries were free. They were always oversubscribed and a lot of children did not get a place. Luckily my son did but I know many families who did not and this also seemed very unfair. The school nurseries prioritise those on income support, who will be entitled to the NEF anyway so this should change to allow working parents more opportunity to get a space for their child.
I hope that these changes are challenged by other states members. The impact of the decision has clearly not been researched and this surely needs to be done before anything is decided.
Kind regards