£1m has been given to Dorset nurseries to create extra places for the increase in free childcare hours
To help with the increase of childcare places across Dorset, £1m has been given to nurseries to help offer extra childcare places. £627.398 has been given to Cuddles Day Nurseries in Canford Health and in Rossmore to help extend their provision. 104 places will be made available at Cuddles Day Nursery in Canford Health and a further 52 places at the Rossmore setting.
Nearly £400,00 has been allocated to Mudeford Wood Playgroup in Christchurch; this was awarded for the conversion of the setting. Some of the 400,00 money was also awarded for the new build nurseries at Motcombe Primary School and Mosterton Pre-School.
According to Dorset County Council, this will create a minimum of 71 new childcare places that are offering the 30hrs free childcare.
Up to 200 grant bids were submitted by childcare providers to help provide the 30hrs free childcare. With settings being successful in their applications this will mean good quality childcare will be made available for more children to access.
It is also suggested that just over 1,00o Poole children will be eligible for the Governments 30hrs free childcare entitlement from September