Bridget Phillipson orders review of hidden childcare charges hitting parents

Education secretary asks UK watchdog to look into nursery practices, including non-refundable deposits

Bridget Phillipson, the education secretary, is ordering a competition review of hidden childcare charges amid concerns parents are being hit with extra charges, despite the government’s flagship expansion of funded childcare hours.

Phillipson has written to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) asking it to examine practices including non-refundable deposits, compulsory add-ons and restrictions attached to government-funded childcare places.