MORE over-50s would be able to re-join the workforce, alongside younger parents, if the government subsidised lower fees, a leader in the childcare sector has said.

The call comes after chancellor Jeremy Hunt sought to encourage more over-50s into work and it follows reports that the government is considering extending the current level of free childcare.

Bournemouth-headquartered Tops Day Nurseries says more than 90 per cent of its 3,000 children attend part time.

It says grandparents and extended family often provide further childcare while parents work. In other cases, parents care for children while working.

It says this is largely because parents cannot afford more childcare and that parents and grandparents would be able to work more if fees were lower.

Cheryl Hadland, managing director of Tops Day Nurseries, said the Treasury could not currently work out the extra tax income that would be collected if the government invested more in childcare.

“If I understood correctly, then this makes no sense to me as an entrepreneur. You have to take risks to grow,” she said.

“We believe more children will be able to attend early years education and childcare if the fees are dropped, and in turn parents and grandparents will be able to work or work more. There is plenty of evidence that good quality childcare prepares children for school and for life where they earn more, are happier, and achieve more.”

Tops says nurseries are struggling from lack of staff and investment and that more will close from April because of rising costs – and because rises in the national minimum wage are not being matched by spending increases on government-funded spaces. It says this directly conflicts with government strategy.

Sam Douce, whose child goes to Tops Day Nurseries in Salisbury, said: “I work between 10-12 hours a week and my wages for each week are taken entirely and then some to the cost of childcare for two and a half days. I therefore work for pleasure and sanity really, as well as to keep my skills up to date so I have transferable skills if I apply for another job. I cannot work more than I do due to these costs. ”

The Department for Education has said it recognises the financial pressures on families and early years education providers and is “looking into” options to improve the cost and availability of childcare.