Four new local councils will pilot the 30hrs free childcare scheme in April
A further four local authorities will join the original eight councils to pilot the 30hrs free childcare scheme in April. Dorset, Leicestershire, North Yorkshire and Tower Hamlets are the named councils that will begin offering the Government 30hrs scheme in April. Each council will work closely with childcare providers to offer the increased hours.
With many parents already seeing the benefits of the extras hours, it is now essential that the offering is spread wider across the country to help other parents.
Come September all councils will be implementing the 30hrs free childcare; this is being backed by a financial investment of £6bn per year by 2o2o. Money invested will support childcare providers such as nurseries, preschools and childminders in offering high-quality early education.
With eight councils already piloting the scheme the additional four will work closely to help test further elements of the government’s 30hrs free childcare scheme.
As funding rates are still being negotiated many nurseries are still undecided as to whether they can offer the increased hours come September, leaving some providers worrying about sustainability.