Budget for childcare – an important step forward or one big misunderstanding?
The plans to expand childcare provision for pre-school children has been met with a mixed response from nursery providers and parents.
Jeremy Hunt announced in the Spring Budget last week he wanted to ease the burden of juggling early years childcare and working, but a think tank has voiced its concerns around a funding gap in the Chancellor's plans.
The government has allocated £204 million in 2023-4 to help solve the problem, reduced the staff-to child ratios from 1:4 to 1:5 to match Scotland and announced start-up grants for childminders.
It was also announced by 2027, children aged between nine months and three years will be entitled to 30 hours of free childcare.
But The Women’s Budget Group (WBG), who have praised these initial steps, said: "Anything less [than a £9.4bn total] risks worsening the sustainability crisis of the early years sector, which has been underfunded for far too long."
The network of organisations, academics and policy experts which focus on the impact of governmental policy on women have identified a funding gap a £5.2 billion, needed to cover the cost of ensuring that the correct staff training and resources are in place for the free childcare hours proposed.
They said: "It is even more important now that the funding for the free hours of childcare covers the true costs of delivering them."
Research by the Office for Budget and Responsibility forecasting state the new plans could see an employment increase by 60,000 by the financial year of 2027/28.
But with more and more women being encouraged back into the workforce, nurseries will inevitably face pressure to accommodate an increasing number of children. This could present issues surrounding quality care, staffing, and overcrowding.
A Sheffield nursery manager, who wishes to remain anonymous, said childcare settings have been chronically and knowingly underfunded by the government. She claims the new plans are insufficient and likely to result in loss of quality care.
She explained how those paying for childcare are charged at the higher rates to make the setting sustainable, but if all childcare is funded then the system won't be able to cope.
The nursery manager also criticised the government for focusing largely on offering parents a lifeline, rather than the impact this will have on children's lives, stating: "Never once did anyone talk about the children".
"Never once did anyone talk about the children."
The nursery manager also explained staff are leaving the industry to work in supermarkets, including Aldi, for more money.
However, Jeremy Hunt's announcement was welcomed by parents from across Yorkshire.
Charlotte Thompson, 30, a midwife and mum from Leeds, felt a great sense of financial relief when she heard the budget announcement, explaining how the change will allow her the freedom to return to work and maintain a social life.
She said: "With childcare costs as high as they are, it seemed as though I was having to sacrifice [my son's] time at nursery to maintain financial stability at home."
Ms Thompson feels her limited budget meant having no choice but to limit his interaction with other children.
Mother-of-two and midwife, Sophie Taylor, 30, from West Yorkshire, echoed this point. She praised the plan's ability to reduce the financial burden of childcare costs, but remains sceptical about where the increased money and infrastructure will come from during the current economic crisis.
It was declared the plans will come into effect in April 2024, meaning parents and legal guardians will have to bear the financial burden for another year.
Holly Essex, 37, a midwife from West Yorkshire, is expecting her first baby in the next couple of weeks.
She said: "Childcare is extremely expensive in the UK, so even though my husband and I are both in well-paid jobs, how we pay for childcare is still a big concern."
While the plans may be welcomed by some parents, others have expressed frustration at the government for pressuring mums to send their children into childcare.
Twitter user, @DrSpock_PhD, highlighted studies promoting the importance of children spending time with their parents in their earliest years.
Mother-of-two, Michelle Rossi, 41, from West Sussex, agrees. She believes the Budget should have reduced essential living costs so mums can afford to work part-time, or not at all during the first five years of their child's life. For her, this Budget is a short-term solution to have more people in work paying tax.
"We must invest in our young. And that's not putting them in full-time, underfunded babysitting services with inexperienced childcare," she said.
"We must invest in our young. And that's not putting them in full-time, underfunded babysitting services with inexperienced childcare."
Another critic of the government’s proposed free childcare scheme has called the income qualifier for receiving the childcare “illogical”. If two parents earn £95,000 each they are entitled to free childcare under the chancellor’s rules, but if one parent is on £100,000 and another on £20,000, they would lose the free entitlement altogether.
Dan Neidle, founder of Tax Policy Associates, argued parents earning over £100k will see a significant drop in their disposable income. For him, high salary earners should have the choice to work the hours they want to, despite their level of income.
He said on Twitter: "You may say we shouldn't care about people earning £100k. You're wrong. Doctors, IT consultants, air traffic controllers... If we are deterring them from working additional hours then I think that's a big problem."
This leaves the question - does Mr Hunt's childcare reforms advance gender equality in work, or does it fail to recognise the nuances of parenthood and the requirements of women across the UK?
Sheffield Wednesday fans react to stuttering form following second loss in a week
Wednesdays 1-0 loss to rock bottom Forest Green Rovers on Sunday has increased the pressure on the promotion chasing Owls.
Jordon Garrick scored for Rovers in the 35th minute as Wednesday fell to a shock fifth defeat of the season.
Before last weeks 4-2 defeat at rivals Barnsley, Wednesday had been on a club record 23 game unbeaten run.
One Wednesday fan claimed the hard work had been undone by the last two defeats.
Another user, Krisswfc69, described it as 'One of the worst displays I've ever seen'.
Some fans have been slightly more optimistic about the teams current situation.
Kelly Robinson said: "the result yesterday was a hard one to take but we can't forget the fact that this team have been amazing."
The Owls are currently second in League One, two points behind leaders Plymouth Argyle, but with a game in hand on the team above.
Wednesday fan Mark Reid said: "If somebody had in August that by the end of March you were going to be three points in front of third with a game in hand to go top you'd have snatched their hand off."
The S6 side travel to Cheltenham Town on Wednesday as they try to get their season back on track and achieve promotion back to the Championship at the second time of asking.
"I'm confident that we will still got top two, but I was more confident we'd win the league prior to yesterday" said Mr Reid.
Sheffield celebrates Women’s Football Weekend at The Home of Football
Sheffield celebrated Women's Football Weekend at The Home of Football on Sunday, with Sheffield FC Women's and Peterborough United Ladies playing out a 1-1 draw.
Women's Football Weekend aims to encourage anyone to come down to their local women's side and take in what there is to offer, with the tagline being 'Pick a Pride, Back A Side.'
Support for the women's game is vital, especially as the football calendar begins to run down for those specific sides.
Sheffield FC Women's only have five games left to play in Division One Midlands this campaign, John Bennett's team currently occupying 9th position.
The Sheffield FC Women's manager even had family supporting in the stands, his Dad - also called John - is a keen regular at Sheffield FC and advocate for the women's game.
He said: "I think the effort the girls put into football is fantastic to the tune where I'd rather watch a girl's match than a Premier Division match to be honest!"
Peterborough United Ladies came into this contest in more positive spirits, travelling up to the North after a convincing 3-0 win over Leafield Athletic.
Increased attendances at the Posh Ladies have added to the feel good factor at the club, with a number of away supporters from Peterborough present for this Women's Football Weekend encounter.
Dan Lawlor, who manages Peterborough United Ladies, spoke of the changing attitudes towards the women's game pre-match.
He said: "Women's football has gotten so much more coverage over the years, especially since the Lionesses (England Womens winning the Euros)
With that in mind, anyone who comes to watch it will always have a different opinion on it. When you actually come and watch what these girls have to offer and what they can do, they're such good footballers."
The game on the day was an end-to-end, full-blooded affair.
Peterborough United Ladies scored within the first few minutes, Keir Perkins for the visitors crossing to Tara Kirk to place past Sheffield FC Women's goalkeeper Leah Kellogg.
Sheffield FC Women's instantly responded - and after spurning a few opportunities - levelled courtesy of a defensive mix-up from the Posh Ladies.
After that, the home side missed a penalty with the atmosphere at The Home of Football backing both sets of players in what was a competitive affair.
The final score would finish 1-1, a great advert for the women's game.
Speaking to volunteer Peterborough United Ladies' photographer Emma afterwards and keen supporters on the day, it's clear lots of good is being done at both these clubs.
She said: "They're amazing. The staff, the team, the supporters, everyone.
"It's made me feel like I'm really part of it all. It's fun!"
Visiting the world’s first football club on Non-League Day
Great sausage sandwiches, a cheerful atmosphere and last-minute equalisers: What other reason would you need to watch Sheffield FC?
Sheffield church to host jazz concert fundraiser for displaced Ukrainian mothers, children and pregnant women
A jazz concert fundraiser is planned for the start of April in Sheffield to raise money for displaced Ukrainian mothers, children and pregnant women.
The concert, at Heeley Parish Church, is organised by the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) Sheffield branch in collaboration with the Reading Jazz Community, and will have a band perform including singers, a drummer and a pianist.
Tanya Mykhaylyk, one organiser of the event, spoke of the 'constant desire' she feels to help those struggling from her birthplace of Ukraine.
She said: "There's a constant desire to help Ukraine in one way or another. We are constantly doing something - sending parcels, helping our friends. We are doing a lot every day.
"But, this particular idea. My best friend called me, she's a musician and from Ukraine. She called me saying they organised a fantastic sponsored concert in Reading. During that conversation, we decided to do something similar in Sheffield."
The charity of choice that funds will go to is 'Unbroken Mothers' - an organisation based in the city of Lviv in Ukraine. They aim to resettle those affected by the conflict especially if they're a new mother, a child or pregnant.
Ms Mykhalyk said she was 'touched' when she first heard about the organisation.
She said: "It's really touching. I have a young granddaughter.
"When you see these children suffering, it's one of the worst things. So, I thought - every single case is touching - but young babies and pregnant women. It's a deserving case."
Although the event will be free, donations are encouraged, with the event not only aimed towards those of the Ukrainian community but for everyone in Heeley, to 'come together' and celebrate that Ukraine is still 'standing.'
This event in Heeley will happen just a few months after the University of Sheffield announced two new Ukrainian language courses, allowing those in the UK to begin picking up Ukrainian to help overcome any language barriers.
For Ms Mykhaylyk, this is a fantastic initiative and one that will allow those displaced by war to integrate easier.
She said: "I think it's a brilliant idea, I didn't know about that.
"When the war started, we invited our relatives to Europe for a two week trip to then bring them to the UK. I could see that they had, really, a big language barrier. I actively speak with a lot of refugees from Ukraine as well, the language barrier is there. That's a fantastic idea."
Tickets for the Jazz concert fundraiser, on 1 April, can be obtained online.
Ms Mykhaylk wanted to thank the generosity of those in the UK who have donated considerable amounts to many charities helping Ukraine.
She said: "The support and generosity of this country (UK) is absolutely amazing. Every single Ukrainian, back at home, feels it.
"All my friends, they say, please tell the UK how grateful we are."
University of Sheffield professor secures major funding for the “Albert Hall of the North.”
Morecambe Winter Gardens is set for a remarkable restoration, thanks to a £2.78 million grant secured with the help of a Sheffield professor.
The seaside theatre was once one of the country’s most popular venues, drawing tourists from across the UK. The funding was awarded by the Cultural Development Fund, helping the building to return as one of the best music venues in the north of England.
Professor Vanessa Toulmin, Director of City and Culture at the University of Sheffield, grew up in Morecambe. For the past three years she has been Chair of the Morecambe Winter Gardens Preservation Trust.
Professor Toulmin said: “This is a historic day for the Winter Gardens and marks the single biggest investment in the theatre for over 100 years. I am overjoyed for the residents of Morecambe who have shown such love and loyalty to the building over the many years of disappointment, thankful for the support of my Board, our Partners, our donors and funders and of course our wonderful volunteers.
"We still have a long way to go, but this funding gets us nearer to our ambition of making our building sing and be known once again as the people’s palace – the Albert Hall of the North.”
A group of dedicated volunteers formed the Preservation Trust in 2006 and have since worked tirelessly on the building's improvement. They've cleaned, restored, and fundraised to bring the building back so it can once again be at the heart of the region’s entertainment, culture and economy.
The funding, which is the largest single investment the venue has received in over a 100 years, will also be used to launch a new work experience initiative to help young creatives from Lancashire get access to and develop careers in the arts industry.
Sheffield United Women lose out to Lewes after assist of the season from Grace Palmer
Sheffield United Women lost 3-2 to Lewes on Saturday in a thrilling encounter at Bramall Lane leaving the side one place, but nine points from the foot of the table.
Ellie Mason almost gave Lewes the lead in the 5th minute, managing to pirouette around a defender after taking a heavy touch when stealing the ball from goalkeeper Stenson, but she dragged her shot just wide of the far post.
A free kick from out-wide in the 10th minute resulted in Sophie Haywood managing to head the ball on target at the back post, but the effort lacked the power to challenge the Lewes goalkeeper.
Lewes’ midfielder Amelia Hazard had a good game, carrying on her fine form from last week's FA Cup match against Manchester United, and her ball across the box in the 14th minute would’ve resulted in a certain goal if not for a fine block by United’s defence.
It was United in the end who scored first. Courtney Sweetman-Kirk bagged her fifth goal of the season from a corner midway in the first half, using movement to get free at the back post and head past Sophie Whitehouse.
Hazard continued to impose her influence on the game, and the 22-year-old battled superbly to win the ball and drive it across the box, which Kirsty Barton swept first time into the top corner only 6 minutes after United took the lead.
The game did not stay at 1-1 long after the break, with Ellie Mason capitalising on a defensive error in the 46th minute to drive down the left into the box and fire into the top corner.
United’s response was strong. It was 2-2 a few minutes later when defender Naomi Hartley cushioned a wide free kick into the far corner after a superb delivery from Bex Raynor.
It was three goals in 15-minutes - and the best moment of quality in the game shortly after. 18-year-old Lewes midfielder Grace Palmer picked the ball up just over the half-way line and played a stunning through ball with the outside of her boot to slot in Ellie Mason, who finished coolly for her second goal of the game.
The game grew into a bit of a stalemate in the final 30 minutes, but Georgia Walters was presented with a half-chance right at the death when a Hazard tried to head clear a free-kick which had been dinked into the back post.
The clearance fell to Walters, who tried to cut across the ball but sent it wide past the right of the goal.
After the game, United manager Jonathan Morgan said he was disappointed with what he saw as a self-inflicted defeat – claiming that the goals were more a gift from errors than creativity from the opposition.
Morgan said “We’re building, we’re trying to become better in possession which, in fairness to the girls, over the course of this year they haven’t had a lot of that because of the way the season’s gone.
“We want to make sure we keep focused to retain this level.”
Lewes boss Scott Booth was also disappointed with the manner of the goals his side conceded, but understandably delighted with the win.
He reserved praise for Grace Palmer, who’s pass must go down as one of the assists of the season.
He said: “Grace is doing really, really well, she’s learning all the time, she’s developing all the time, and she’s very young but she’s had a lot of game time this season.
“We’ve seen already, that she’s a player constantly developing and getting better every game.”
The match was streamed for free on The FA Player, which you can find here to watch full matches, highlights, and interviews from the women’s game.
Steelers respond to defeat in Belfast with victory against play-off rivals Cardiff Devils
Sheffield Steelers showed their resilience today as they bounced back from a heavy defeat against table-topping Belfast Giants with a 3-2 victory against Cardiff Devils at the Utilita Arena.
It was a real test of the Steelers play-off credentials with the Devils being level on points before the clash today.
Before the game the Steelers had played the Cardiff side four times this season, with the Steelers having won two and lost two against the Devils.
The Sheffield side were without Brandon McNaly and Sam Jones who were suspended following incidents against the Belfast Giants.
The Devils landed the first blow in the encounter in the second minute when Brodie Reid was first to the puck following Greenfield’s save to Marcus Crawford’s effort.
However, the Sheffield side quickly responded with chances before veteran forward Robert Dowd picked the puck up on the right wing and charged forwards before slotting past Ben Browns.
Cardiff were briefly reduced to four outfield players when Sam Jardine received a two-minute penalty for holding, but were unable to capitalise on their numerical advantage and the first period finished one apiece.
The second period was a scrappier affair with both sides conceding power plays and it took an Alex Graham swipe to break the deadlock for the Steelers.
In Cardiff’s third powerplay of the period the Devils equalised with seconds remaining when a one timer from Cole Sandford flew past Greenfield.
In the third period, both sides were quickly reduced to four outfield players, when Sandford and Graham were penalised for hooking.
It was during the following powerplay that the Steelers were able to retake the lead when Connoly was alive to the rebound and made no mistake in slotting the puck into the Cardiff net.
The Steelers were able to resist a late bombardment from the Devils and held out to take the points.
Victory against the Devils sees the home side move two points clear of Cardiff Devils in fourth place.
After the game Sheffield Steelers' coach Aaron Fox said: "I think we're a little bit of a fragile group right now where you feel like everything that can go wrong will go wrong for us. We just talked about keeping our composure, don't change our game.
"I though the second period was our best period, we probably should have been up one or two goals up after the second period.
"[We said] Don't change our game plan, continue to dictate tempo and make them earn everything they get, so it was actually a really, really important hockey game for our group."
The coach heaped praise on Robert Dowd before the veteran forward celebrates his testimonial match on Tuesday.
Mr Fox said: "Rob has been outstanding since I got here and I know I'm getting him at the back end of his 10 years. He scored a huge goal tonight and I'm excited for Tuesday."
BREAKING: Police appeal for missing 15-year-old girl
South Yorkshire Police have issued an urgent plea to help find a missing Barnsley teenager.
Rihanna, 15, was last seen at around 6.40pm on Wednesday 22 March in the Worsbrough Common area of Barnsley.
Rihanna has not been seen or heard from since and there is growing concern for her welfare.
Police describe Rihanna as white, approximately 5ft 3ins tall, slim build with a Yorkshire accent with shoulder length, light brown hair that is highlighted.
It is not known what Rihanna may be wearing.
Police currently only have one photo of the teenager, in which she has blonde hair.
If you have any information please call 101 quoting incident number 882 of 22 March 2023.
How does the Gig Economy impact those who are navigating the Cost of Living crisis?
Popular takeaway company, Just Eat, has recently announced plans to cut more than 1700 jobs as it re-shapes its delivery model around the Gig Economy. Considered a controversial move by many, it impacts the rights of Just Eat delivery workers and affects the benefits and guarantees they can expect to receive. What is the Gig Economy and what impact is it having on modern ways of working?
What is the Gig Economy?
According to The University of Oxford, the Gig Economy employment is a form of work in which people receive payment based on the completion of tasks, instead of the hours they work. People usually access work through online platforms and complete a specific task or "gig". It covers a wide range of job-types such as delivery drivers, private tutors, freelancers, consultants, website creators and graphic designers, to name a few.
The rise of the Gig Economy
This form of work is becoming increasingly important in the UK, and the number of people taking on gig-style employment has risen substantially between 2016 and 2021.
Additionally, according to data released by Standout-CV in March 2023, the UK's Gig Economy is worth about £20bn and its workforce is about 7.25 million strong. Working in the Gig Economy alone is often not enough to cover the monthly bills, and nearly half of all gig workers have a separate full time job. The cost-of-living crisis is taking its toll, with nearly 90% of gig workers having taken up additional work to cope with increasing prices.
Anna's Story
Anna Lake is a freelance consultant and a chartered marketer. She formed a successful business using the Gig Economy and describes the realities of working within this business model.
"My work schedule can be very unpredictable," she says.
"I interview clients of businesses so there are lots of variables at play, such as my client inviting their client to speak with me and then the interviewees' availability.
"My workload often feels like it’s very ‘lumpy’!"
She reflects on the varying pace of her work: "If I go through quiet periods, I try to focus on activities which will build my profile and attract new business such as networking, regular posting on LinkedIn, PR and content writing – the things you struggle to find time for when you’re busy.
"I also don’t panic and I enjoy being able to go for long walks with my dog or catch up on shows on Netflix."
She also acknowledges government intervention could help make the Gig Economy work effectively for more people.
"I think the government needs to bring forward its childcare support to working parents to now," she reflects.
"My children are both at school now but being able to access free hours when they were one, the age of my youngest son when I set up my business, would have been a huge help."
Chris' Story
Chris works as a private tutor to supplement the income from his full time job as a Technical Consultant. He believes he has managed to balance his time between a Gig Economy job and full time work in a way that works for him.
"My work schedule is unpredictable but that’s how I like it," he says.
"I enjoy the freedom of being able to rearrange lessons at short notice if something else comes up.
"If I want that freedom then I have to accept that tutees will do the same, but it’s a trade-off I’m happy to make."
His salary can sometimes be unpredictable, however this does not concern him too much.
"Tutoring is my secondary source of income so income variations don't affect me too badly.
"By finding reliable students I can make sure my income is relatively consistent in the academic year though."
In terms of government help within the Gig Economy, Chris' request is simple. He says: "Self assessment tax returns could be a bit less confusing, but overall I don’t think I need much else."
The Future
The cost-of-living crisis is still taking its toll, and Jeremy Hunt's recent budget speech has many people questioning their long-term financial stability. The War in Ukraine is ongoing and key economy strength indicators (such as oil prices, interest rates, inflation levels and exchange rates) remain unpredictable. Despite continued government help with energy bills and additional promised help with childcare, people are still feeling financial pressure and struggling to make ends meet.
It seems likely that the well-established Gig Economy is here to stay in the UK. But it is unclear if any government controls or additional legislation will soon be enforced, which could make this increasingly-popular income method work more effectively, and more fairly, for more people.
“The children need you”: Ranmoor Scout Group will close unless volunteers are found
A shortage of volunteers means the 36th Sheffield Scout Group, which covers the Crosspool and Ranmoor area, will close if it doesn’t find any new recruits.
The Scout section (for ages 10 and above) is currently without a leader, while the Beaver and Cub groups (six to eight year-olds and eight to 10) are in desperate need of a helping hand.
Michael Holmes, the Group Scout Leader, said many adults don't think they have the right skills to become a Scout Leader, meaning they don't put themselves forward.
“Most parents have got the skills - even if they don’t think they have. Really, it’s a desire to help your young children become good citizens.”
The 36th Sheffield Scout Group is almost 100 years old and has been one of the largest groups of its kind for many years.
A Scout Leader is a managerial role who works closely with assistant leaders to deliver a fulfilling experience. All training, including a DBS check, is provided by the Scouts. The only real cost is their time.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic people’s jobs and ability to commit their time has changed, leading to a drop in volunteers, Mr Holmes said.
“The children need you,” he added. “Someone who can give one night a month would still be useful to us.”
There is currently a waiting list of children for the group. If they had the leaders then they would be able take all of the children on.
Jo Owens is the Beaver Leader but has had to give in her notice because of other commitments.
“It’s not just our group that’s struggling for leaders. It’s a similar situation across the region and the country,” she said.
Pre-Covid, there were 156,647 Scout volunteers across the UK. There are now only 139,461 - almost 20,000 less.
“It would be sad to lose such a long-running Scout group,” the Beaver Leader and mum said. “Where else can you find a group that does something different every week?”
“Lots of people were in the Scouts and then became leaders when they were adults. It’s sad we can’t offer the next generation the same," she added.
The Ranmoor / Crosspool Scout Group is looking for around six volunteers. Anyone interested should contact Michael Holmes directly at michaelfholmes1@gmail.com. More information about the Scouts can be found here.
Sheffield Wednesday legend hospitalised with suspected heart attack
Former Sheffield Wednesday and England international Carlton Palmer was taken to hospital yesterday after completing the Sheffield Half Marathon.
Palmer, 57, Tweeted that he had been kept in over night with a suspected small heart attack, and is currently undergoing tests.
In 2016, Palmer underwent life-saving five hour heat surgery.
Palmer played over 200 times for Wednesday and in the late 80s and early 90s, as well as achieving 18 England caps.
Former international team mate Alan Shearer was one of those to wish Palmer well.
Shearer tweeted "Hope you’re ok pal 🙏🏻".
Palmer replied: "Thanks pal ,they are still running tests to find out what caused it but I am fine 👌".