Cumbria's privately-run nurseries are making changes to ensure they survive the introduction of the Government's new childcare scheme - and warn parents to get their bids for places in early.

Eligible three and four-year-olds in England are now entitled to 30 free hours of childcare a week, up from 15 hours.

Critics argue that the Government is not providing enough public funding to provide the places sparking fears that many could close or parents may face higher costs.

In Cumbria, more than 2,200 applications for places have been received.

Gerry Garvey, owner of Muddy Boots Nursery at Newton Rigg, Penrith, is projects officer for the Carlisle and Eden branch of the National Day Nurseries Association.

He said: "Everyone is losing out. We've got nurseries who have to remain competitive with their prices but pensions, wages and business rates have all gone up.

"As far as I'm aware most of the nurseries are doing the scheme but offering things in different ways."

At Muddy Boots, Mr Garvey has chosen to offer 30-hour places between 9am and 4pm and charging parents who want further childcare outside of those hours.

Others are choosing alternative measures.

He said: "It depends on the business model of the nursery. Every one is different. There is one offering 30 hours places but only on certain days. That obviously wouldn't suit someone who is working on the other days and needs a place."

As a result, he said parents must not "automatically assume" they will get a place.

He said: "Parents need to remember they need to apply for a place and get a code at least a term before and so they need to get them in early."

Amanda Latimer, owner of Mother Goose Nursery in Wigton Road, Carlisle, said: "We are offering the 30 hours a week but we will unfortunately be less flexible with session times to enable us to be economically viable."

The increasing number of schools across Cumbria offering nursery provision is also having a detrimental impact on local privately-run businesses, many of which are well-established.

Mr Garvey praised Cumbria County Council's children's services unit for its work with independent nurseries to try and ensure the scheme is fair.

A council spokesman said: "Cumbria is responding well to the new 30 hours free childcare provision introduced by the government.

"Around 80 per cent of providers are offering places and there has also been an increase in the number of childminders offering free hours.

"It is really positive that we have had over 2,200 applications for places and there have so far been no issues with availability."

* What is your experience of securing a new 30-hour nursery place? Email kelly.pattison@cnmedia.co.uk.