Government underestimate number of children eligible for 30hrs free childcare
According to the Government, 390,000 three and four-year-olds will be eligible for the 30hrs free childcare entitlement. However Pre- School Learning Alliance believe this figure is wrong and it could be nearer the 500,000 mark. With these figures being wrong this will mean tens of thousands of children will miss out on their 30hrs of childcare.
A survey carried out by Pre-School Learning Alliance highlighted the increase in figures of children eligible compared to the government’s estimation.
The reason for more children becoming eligible is that a high proportion of parents may increase their working hours to become eligible for the scheme. With this in mind, this could add around 22, 000 children to the figures, making the total about half a million children.
It has also not taken into consideration some parents that are not working but may find a job and then become eligible, so yet again these figures could rise further.
With these figures rising and some childcare providers still uncertain as to whether they can offer the scheme, this may potential mean their isn’t enough childcare places.