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The government has published operational guidance on the 30-hours offer for providers and local authorities ahead of the scheme’s roll-out in September. The guide is designed to explain the rules around the delivery of the free entitlement offer, including information on eligibility checking, grace periods, provider delivery models and charging.

 

The guidance was published on 21 April, shortly before the period of purdah began on 22 April ahead of the pending general election on 8 June. Purdah prevents central and local government departments from making any announcements that could be seen as advantageous to a particular candidate or party in the coming election.

 

Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Alliance, welcomed the publication ahead of the pre-election period but criticised the continued confusion over the offer. He said: “We are disappointed by the continued lack of clarity around the rules on charging. We know that many providers were relying on this document to provide more detailed guidance on this issue, and yet, it tells us little more than we already knew.”

 

Neil added: “Our view is clear: if 30-hours is to be a truly ‘free’ offer, it should be adequately funded and providers should not need to rely on additional charges to stay afloat. If this is not the case, the government must make this clear, not only to providers but also to parents.”