Joint Update on Meeting with Competition & Markets Authority

Yesterday the Professional Association of Childcare and Early Years (PACEY), the National Day Nurseries’ Association (NDNA) and SCMA had a joint meeting with the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to discuss their current investigation into the complaints they have received into cancellations and refunds in the childcare sector. 

We took the opportunity to set out the current advice we have given to our members as well as information on template contracts and policies we make available. As organisations we also presented evidence on the complexity of the funding that many childcare providers receive from government as well as parent fees. The CMA were keen to understand more of the context for childcare providers and we shared the challenge of balancing forced closure of their childcare service during the pandemic with parental desire to retain a place for their child once their nursery, pre-school or childminding setting reopened. 

We know the vast majority of childcare providers have tried to be fair and transparent in their dealings with parents during these unprecedented times and stressed this to the CMA. We also reinforced the very real concerns that have been shared with us about the long-term sustainability of childcare providers.
 
As the CMA progresses its investigation we will continue to work to ensure they understand the challenges faced by the childcare and early years sector.

Additional note for SCMA members

SCMA is currently reviewing its contracts in light of Covid-19 and will update members shortly.