Pilot scheme to offer 30 hours to 5,000 children next September
The 30-hour entitlement will be available to more than 5,000 children as part of the scheme’s pilot, Nicky Morgan has announced.
The education secretary confirmed that 70 local authorities have opted to take part in piloting the scheme from September next year.
Visiting the Harris Primary Academy Philip Lane in Tottenham, she said: “We are delivering on our promise to help parents with the cost of childcare by doubling the government’s free childcare offer for three- and four-year-olds a whole 12 months earlier than planned for around 5,000 children.”
Ms Morgan also announced the launch of a consultation on plans to give parents the right to request wraparound childcare.
The consultation, which is open until 29 February 2016, invites providers, including childminders, to submit their views on offering more childcare during the week and in the school holidays.
The initial proposals to offer wraparound care on parents’ request stated that providers would have to give reasons for refusing to grant a formal request for out-of-hours care.
Ms Morgan added: “As a working mum myself, I am whole-heartedly determined to ensure all parents can secure a great start in life for their child while pursuing a fantastic career for themselves, should they choose to do so.”
Alliance chief executive Neil Leitch stated that, while welcome, the 30-hour offer “is based on an unrealistic childcare business model”.
He said: “With 5000 children set to gain access to the scheme next year, it is vital that lack of understanding is addressed as soon as possible, and that early years providers are adequately supported to deliver the extended offer in a way that ensures that no child experiences a drop in the quality of care they receive.”