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.

Free childcare reminder

Parents of toddlers in York are being reminded to check out whether they’re eligible for free childcare.

From 1 January over 585 two-year-olds in York are eligible for up to 15 hours of free childcare a week at a playgroup, day nursery or with a childminder as part of a national initiative.

Parents, who earn no more than £16,190 a year and receive Working Tax Credits, Child Tax Credit or Income Support, could be eligible for a free childcare place. Two-year-olds, who are looked after by the council automatically qualify for a place.

Since September 2014, children with special educational needs, those who have been adopted or with a residency/special guardianship order also qualify for a place.

The free places are available to children who are two years of age and whose parents fulfil the criteria. The places can be taken up the term after the child’s second birthday.

Parents can apply on line at www.yor-ok.org.uk/childcare or to find out more call the Family Information Service on 01904 554444 or text ‘’free place’ to 07624 802244.

Free childcare places for two-year-olds reminder

childcareParents of toddlers in York are being reminded to check out whether they’re eligible for free childcare.

From 1 September over 600 two-year-olds in York – double last year’s figure – are eligible for up to 15 hours of free childcare a week at a playgroup, day nursery or with a childminder as part of a national initiative.

 

Parents, who earn no more than £16,190 a year and receive Working Tax Credits, Child Tax Credit or Income Support, could be eligible for a free childcare place. Two-year-olds, who are looked after by the council or have a Child Protection Plan, automatically qualify for a place.

From 1st September children with special educational needs, those who have been adopted or with a residency/special guardianship order will also qualify for a place.

The free places are available to children who are two years of age and whose parents fulfil the criteria. The places can be taken up the term after the child’s second birthday.

Parents can apply on line at www.yor-ok.org.uk/childcare or to find out more call the Family Information Service on 01904 554444 or text ‘’free place’ to 07624 802244.

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Free childcare places for two-year-olds in York

childcare 2

Parents of toddlers in York are being urged to check out whether they’re eligible for free childcare.

From 1 September over 600 two-year-olds in York – double last year’s figure – are eligible for up to 15 hours of free childcare a week at a playgroup, day nursery or with a childminder as part of a national initiative.

Parents, who earn no more than £16,190 a year and receive Working Tax Credits, Child Tax Credit or Income Support, could be eligible for a free childcare place. Two-year-olds, who are looked after by the council or have a Child Protection Plan, automatically qualify for a place.

From 1st September children with special educational needs, those who have been adopted or with a residency/special guardianship order will also qualify for a place.

The free places are available to children who are two years of age and whose parents fulfil the criteria. The places can be taken up the term after the child’s second birthday.

Parents can apply on line at www.yor-ok.org.uk/childcare or to find out more call the Family Information Service on 01904 554444 or text ‘’free place’ to 07624 802244.