A NURSERY has defended childcare prices, saying they are under constant pressure to make ends meet.

Little Lodge Nursery in Swinesherd, Spetchley, near Worcester, charges £4.20 an hour and has kept the rates the same for two years.

Manager Janes Jones said the privately-run venue has a total of 30 babies or toddlers on the books, and operates with eight staff.

“Our price is in line with what the others charge and we’ve got brilliant staff who we need to make sure are paid,” she said.

“We are absolutely full and haven’t got any spaces free for more children at all, we could not be busier.

“The biggest problem for us is the free 15 hours for three and four-year olds – the Government gives us £3.46 an hour back for each one, but that leaves a shortfall of 74p an hour.

“It really adds up and means we are worse off, we are £10,500 down on what we were getting in two years ago.

“I’d invite any MP to come and see what we actually do here. The children are so well behaved and the staff work very hard.”