Child daycare services

Description

From August 2020, children’s entitlement to funded Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) is increasing from 600 hours to 1140 hours. This provision will utilise a Funding Follows the Child approach. Funded hours are free to parents at the point of access. Eligibility for ELC will be determined by the Local Authority but broadly: children will become eligible on the first day of the school term after their third birthday. Children who are 2 years old and whose parents are in receipt of certain benefits or children who are 'looked after' or the subject of a kinship or guardianship order may also be eligible. All providers delivering the funded hours will have to meet the National Standard, regardless of whether the funded hours are provided by a setting in the public, private or third sectors including provision offered by childminders. The National Standard sets out a clear and consistent set of quality criteria. Early learning and childcare for 2-year old children whose parents are in receipt of certain benefits or children who are ‘looked after’ or the subject of kinship or guardianship order may also be eligible. Early learning and childcare for eligible 3-5 year old children. Eligibility will be determined by the Local Authority but broadly children will become eligible on the first day of the school term after their third birthday.