CHILDREN from poorer families in Bordon could miss out on vital pre-school education as a result of the introduction of the minimum wage.

Pre-schools are being forced to increase their fees to counter the added financial burden put on them by the government.

This week fears have been voiced that poorer families will be the worst affected, with many parents being forced to keep their children away from pre-schools because of the increased fees.

The minimum wage of £3.60 was introduced in April this year.

As part of the legislation, employers have to pay staff holiday pay.

Lesley Cooper, who runs the PollyAnna Pre-School in Lindford, estimates her wage bill will go up dramatically.

She said: "I have got to find about £800."

Mrs Cooper also has to pay staff three weeks holiday pay - and this will change again in the autumn.

"In October, I have got to pay them four weeks holiday pay so that will be another £250 that I've got to find."

Before the minimum wage was in place, PollyAnna Pre-School's fees were £4.50 for a three-hour session.

Fees have now been increased to £5 and she said: "I can't put them up a lot straight away, I didn't think it was fair."

The new minimum wage has not affected the pre-school's numbers, but some parents have only signed their children up for two sessions rather than three for when the new term starts in September.

Finding the extra cash to pay wages could also affect the amount of play-equipment the nursery has.

"That is why I am doing other fundraising, so that I can replace some of the play equipment," Mrs Cooper added.

County executive officer for the Hampshire Pre-School Learning Alliance Lisa David commented that most pre-schools were extremely worried about the effects of the minimum wage.

She said: "We have received a number of letters and telephone calls from groups who are very concerned about the minimum wage and the annual leave pay entitlement.

"At the end of the day, they are not against the minimum wage, but their income has not increased and they are forced to pay a considerable amount of money."

The government is due to introduce the Working Families Tax Credit in October this year - but most playgroups have only identified a few people that will benefit from this.

Ms David said: "It is a very difficult time at the moment. An awful lot of pre-schools are wondering how they are going to keep going to Christmas."

The government has made available a £500,000 grant for pre-schools that are in financial difficulty.

Awards to pre-schools are usually between £300 and £1,000 - but playgroups can only apply for them if they are run on a charitable basis and have a constitution behind them.

This would disqualify PollyAnna and most nurseries in the area from receiving financial help.

Owner and supervisor at Greatham Nursery, Sandra Allen, said: "The minimum wage is going to affect all groups and it will mean the parents will pay that much more.

"I just think it is very, very sad that it is going to take child care away from the lower income families who can't afford it."

But places in nursery schools are free for four-year-olds. Mrs Cooper wants to see this extended to other ages.

She said: "I am urging the government to bring in free places for three-year-olds. As one parent said to me; 'I would rather come to a good quality pre-school than go to a cheap one'."

Mrs Cooper added that not only does the pre-school have to cope with the introduction of the minimum wage, but it has to cope with the rigours of an Ofsted report too.

She said: "We also have Ofsted inspections to make sure we are doing things right. That is a lot of pressure on the play school staff."

Play and pre-schools have to cover six 'desirable learning outcomes' which include areas such as knowledge and understanding of the world, creative development and language and literacy.

"The children seem to learn through play, and it is all part of getting them ready for school," Mrs Cooper added.