Childcare matters
Are you eligible for free childcare?
Families
Making sure our children and grandchildren get the best start in life is so important. And I know that childcare is one of the biggest costs facing hardworking families across Barrow and Furness.
That’s why the government is doubling free childcare for parents. Families should be able to choose what’s right for them, whether that’s returning to work or staying at home.
That means 30 hours of free childcare from the time children are nine months old to the time they start school. Lowering bills and restoring choice to families right across our area.
And the change in child benefit policy towards a household system, ending unfairness for single-earners.
How do I get started?
Right now, you can use up to 15 hours of free childcare per week for 38 weeks of the year (during school term time). Some childcare providers offer stretched hours over more weeks if you use less than 15 hours per week.
Remember to reconfirm your eligibility every 3 months. If you apply more than 3 months before the term starts, you’ll have to reconfirm your eligibility in your account to keep your code valid.
Find out more and apply for your code from 12th May here: https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
Providers
Supporting childcare providers also plays an essential role in expanding the availability of childcare.
That’s why the Government has increased the hourly rates paid to providers of free childcare, paying £204 million this year, increasing to £288 million by 2024-25, with further uplifts to follow each year.
The Government is also introducing childminders grants, which amounts to £600 for those registering with Ofsted and £1,200 for those registering with a childminder agency.
If you are a childcare provider and want to find out more, check out the Childcare Choices Hub.
As always, I am keen to hear your thoughts on these measures and your ideas about what other support you’d find helpful.
Please share your views and complete my childcare survey below.
Childcare news
Childminder consultation
A new consultation has been launched to ask childminders, parents, providers and local authorities for their thoughts on how government can further support more childminders to join and stay in the profession. Proposed changes include local authorities paying childminders monthly if they request it so they can better manage their finances.
Helen Donohoe, Chief Executive at PACEY said ‘We welcome this consultation and the chance for childminders’ voices to be heard. We must act now to not just retain our existing, brilliant childminders but to lay the foundations for the profession to grow’.
The consultation will be open for 8-weeks running from 9am on 15 March until 11.59pm on 10 May.
Childminder recruitment and retention consultation - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Childminder start-up grant scheme
The childminder start-up grants scheme is now open for applications. These grants are to help remove the financial barriers to joining the sector and are worth £600 for those registering with Ofsted and £1200 for those registering with a childminder agency.
For more information on how to apply, visit apply for a childminder start-up grant
Ofsted ‘Big Listen’ consultation
Ofsted is holding the Big Listen, a comprehensive effort to listen to everyone they work for and with. They are seeking feedback on their work, ideas for small changes and big reforms and would like to hear from parents and families, professionals in their sectors as well as children, young people and learners.
To participate and share your views please go to Ofsted Big Listen - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) and have your say.
The consultation closes at 11:59pm on 31 May 2024