Purpose

The Childcare Act (2006) requires local
authorities in England to ensure there is sufficient childcare for
children (aged 0 to 17 years old) of working parents, parents
studying or training, and for disabled children within their local
area.
In the Spring 2023 Budget, the Government announced a package of
increased childcare support. One of the areas of addition support
allows working parents to access 30 hours of free childcare per
week, for 38 weeks of the year, from when their child is 2 years
old to when they start school. This will be rolled out in April
2024.
Demand for funded 2 year old places has increased, across the
county, over the last 3 years (pre-pandemic) by 23%. With the
additional funding on offer, this will increase further.
There has been significant housing growth in the North of the city
over recent years. As a result, demand for childcare is also
increasing.
The change in age range will help to support parents and carers
wishing to go back to work/education, and therefore supports
economic growth.