Study on York’s 30 hours childcare trial published today

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According to the City of York Council, “An in-depth study published today on the Council’s 30 hours free childcare trial, confirms that the council exceeded its government target, secured 100 per cent sign-up from private and voluntary settings and publishes comments from parents involved in the pilot”

The Council says the full report can now be downloaded 

A national evaluation of the trial run by eight councils was published by the government on 17 July and showcases York’s work and partnership with local childcare providers.

This York-specific study by Frontier Economics looks at the work of the council – the only authority to fully implement the 30 Hours free childcare programme in a trial – and details the very high level of participation including childminders.

The Department for Education funded all children eligible for the extended hours and estimated that in York, 1,480 would be eligible. The department challenged York to engage at least 70% of them but the council exceeded that and, by the spring term, 1,678 places had been provided and taken up. Besides indicating the trial’s success, it showed that the number of eligible families in York was higher than estimated.

The case study identified that the reasons behind this success was involving childcare providers and York’s Shared Foundation Partnerships at an early stage to further improve quality and to meet demand for childcare places on this popular programme. The commitment and expertise given to providers by York’s childcare strategy team was also praised.

The case study gives evidence of providers’ support for the 30 hours programme and showed that even when concerns about funding were raised, the providers worked with the programme to make it viable for parents and commercially.

No parents were refused the extended hours.

Over half the York families interviewed said that the additional disposable income the scheme gave them allowed them to afford outings, children’s after-school activities and holidays.

Extended free childcare was first introduced 3 years ago.

The coat of arms crest at York Mansion House will be receiving a fresh coat of paint on Friday

These fresh paint strokes mark the beginning of the house’s return to being the gem of York city centre as it comes to the final stages of a £2.6 million restoration this Autumn.

The Opening Doors Restoration project for York Mansion House was made possible by National Lottery players through a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), funding from City of York Council and a variety of grants and generous donations totalling £2.6 million.

The project improves the visitor experience by beautifully restoring this gem of York’s architectural history, allowing more people than ever to enjoy it”.

“Good gym” makes difference in Foxwood Park

Volunteers from “Good Gym” joined local residents yesterday evening in a crash clean up of the perimeter of part of the Foxwood Park.

Good gym is an excellent idea. Rather than pay to use equipment and lift weights in an indoor gym, volunteers use the energy to help the local community.

Their web site is https://www.goodgym.org/areas/york

Good gym volunteers get to work

Good turn out in Foxwood Park last night

Removing a difficult stump

Neil and Sheena tackle broken tree branches

What’s on in York: Cats Protection League Fun Talk

 

Fulford Library 

Thu 27 Jul 

2.30pm – 3.30pm 

Free

Jul _25CatsAre you crazy about cats?

Join Kirsty-Lou from the Cats Protection League for a fun talk and she will tell you all about cats and how to care for them.

Free but booking essential.  This event is suitable for 3-12 years old.

Booking is in person through any Explore York Library or by telephone at  York Explore Library on (01904) 552828 or  Acomb Explore Library on (01904) 552651.