Ellen Broom News Today

The extension of free nursery hours to two-year-olds has been blighted by all-round confusion, says the Guardian columnist Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett

Families of disabled children are facing a battle to access holiday childcare amid a significant drop in the number of councils able to offer enough places, research has revealed.

Charity warns prices for holiday clubs are up 5pc and most local authorities lack enough places

Families face stressful holidays with fewer providers, higher prices or deciding to keep their children at home while they work

Working parents face many challenges in the holidays – here’s how some get through the break

Employees are being hit by inflation, childcare and commuting costs ⁠— especially those who moved away to work from home in the pandemic.

Attempts to find savings to help parents pay the bills would only trigger an exodus of low-paid staff, a government study warns