Key Points
- · Bolton families now benefit from up to 30 hours a week of free childcare for children aged three and four.
- · The government introduced 30 hours of free childcare for working parents of 3- and 4-year-olds, a year ahead of schedule starting from September 2016.
- · Free childcare availability extends to disadvantaged two-year-olds and children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
- · The funding supports working families where each parent earns at least the equivalent of 16 hours at the national minimum or living wage and less than £100,000 per year.
- · Bolton Council offers up to 570 hours of free early education annually for every three- and four-year-old, with some two-year-olds eligible based on benefits.
- · Additional support includes the Disability Access Fund for children with disabilities receiving Disability Living Allowance.
- · The government invested over £1 billion extra per year by 2019-2020 to extend free childcare entitlement nationwide.
- · Ongoing efforts focus on making childcare accessible, flexible, and affordable with early adopter councils testing innovative approaches.
What is the scope of free childcare available to families in Bolton?
Bolton Council provides every child aged three and four up to 570 hours of free early education per year, typically equating to 15 hours per week during term time or stretched across the year. Additionally, working parents may qualify for 30 hours of free childcare weekly. Some two-year-olds are also eligible for funded places if their families receive certain benefits or government support. This is part of a broader government commitment to making childcare more affordable and accessible for families across England, including Bolton.
When was the 30 hours free childcare scheme introduced and how did it affect Bolton?
As reported by the UK Department for Education in February 2016, the government announced £13 million to enable councils, including Bolton, to deliver 30 hours of free childcare beginning in September 2016—one year ahead of the initial national rollout planned for 2017. This scheme targeted hard-working parents of 3- and 4-year-olds, essentially doubling the previous offer of 15 hours. This initiative was part of the government’s manifesto pledge to support working families and encourage labour market participation.
Who qualifies for the 30 hours free childcare?
Eligibility for 30 hours free childcare requires both parents in a household (or the sole parent in a single-parent family) to be working, with each earning at least the equivalent of 16 hours per week at the national minimum or living wage but less than £100,000 annually. This financial threshold aims to target support to working families. Additionally, some councils including Bolton have piloted innovative approaches to ensure the scheme reaches families facing particular challenges, such as those with children having special educational needs and disabilities.
How does Bolton support children with disabilities or additional needs?
Bolton is part of government efforts to support children with disabilities through the Disability Access Fund (DAF). The DAF provides annual funding to early years providers for children receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and accessing early years education. This measure extends support for disabled children to participate fully in early education and childcare opportunities, ensuring more inclusivity within the system.
What broader government investments back free childcare schemes?
The government has committed to investing more than £1 billion extra per year by 2019 to fully fund the extension of free childcare provision. This funding supports both the increase in free childcare hours and the improvement of the early years funding formulas, aimed at ensuring local authorities pass sufficient funds to childcare providers at fair rates. The Department for Education also tested new contracts and eligibility systems to streamline access to childcare entitlements nationally.
What challenges and innovations are associated with delivering free childcare in Bolton and elsewhere?
Balancing childcare provision in different regions, including rural and northern powerhouse areas like Bolton, has necessitated innovative approaches. Early adopter councils have focused on addressing flexibility, availability, and making childcare affordable while also catering to special needs. Bolton Council encourages parents to communicate any difficulty in finding childcare to help improve local services and has established helplines and resources to assist families in navigating childcare options effectively.
How much can families save with 30 hours free childcare?
Government estimates indicate that families can save up to £7,500 per year per child through the 30 hours free childcare entitlement. This substantial saving alleviates financial pressure on working parents and boosts labour market opportunities, especially for mothers who historically face barriers due to childcare costs.
What is the impact on nursery demand and parental access?
As highlighted by the BBC, nurseries and childcare providers have experienced increased demand due to the government's free childcare programme. This surge has made the scheme even more critical in supporting working parents, although it also poses challenges in maintaining quality and availability.