£3m given to Childcare Works Programme to support early years providers in offering 30hrs free childcare
A substantial amount of money has been awarded by Government to the Childcare Works Programme. The £3 million will enable Early years providers and councils to communicate amongst one another to ensure there are enough childcare providers implementing the 30hrs free childcare. Childcare Works Programme will be run by consultancies Hempsalls, an early years specialist, and Mott MacDonald.
By implementing the 30hrs free childcare this will help create childcare places for working parents, however, it will also create many challenges for childcare providers. Part of the Childcare Works Programme is to provide business support to all childcare providers.
A high proportion of childcare providers are still considering whether to provide the 30hrs of free childcare; the decision is because funding costs being offered to providers makes it not financial cost effective. With many childcare providers considering not offering the 30hr this will create a shortage of childcare places, leaving disadvantage missing out on crucial early years education.
The aim of the programme is to help create childcare places for three and four-year-olds, colleagues involved in the programme will work closely with the local authorities who are already piloting the 30hrs. They will also work with the charity Action for Children in developing access for children with SEND.
Providers will be invited to attend seminars where information will be available from the areas that piloted the 30hours free childcare.
It would great to hear people’s views on the implementation of the 30hrs free childcare?