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The number of two-year-olds using the 15-hours offer has increased, according to the DfE’s latest Education Provision for Children Under Five report.

 

The statistics show an increase in the number of eligible families using their funded place, with 71% of  entitled two-year-olds now accessing the 15-hours. This is up from 68% in January 2016.

 

The statistics also show a decrease in the number of hours accessed at private and voluntary settings. Three years ago, 96% of funded two-year-old hours were undertaken in the PVI sector, this latest report shows that this has decreased to 84%.

 

Alliance chief executive Neil Leitch said: “We know that quality early education and care has a significant impact on children’s long-term life chances, particularly those from more disadvantaged backgrounds. As such, it is positive to see take-up for the two-year-old funded childcare offer continuing to rise.”

 

However, Neil expressed concern that this progress could be undermined by the introduction of the 30-hour offer if providers opt to reduce the number of places available to children of different year groups. He said: “It simply isn’t acceptable for one group of children to benefit at the expense of another, just because the government isn’t willing to invest what is needed into the system.”