Working parents to be supported by council in Nottinghamshire
Nottinghamshire County Council has been named as an ‘early innovator’ to help with the future provision of early years childcare in England.
It is one of 25 local authorities across the country chosen by the Government to look at innovative ways to implement the extended free childcare entitlement for working parents of three and four year olds.
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Hide AdThese experiences will then be used to support the scheme where working parents get 20 hours a week free childcare across England - starting in 2017.
The ‘early innovators’ will work on specific issues such as flexibility, availability of places, supporting parents to work and how to make it easier for childcare providers to offer places for children with disabilities and special educational needs.
Councillor Liz Plant, vice-chairman of the children and young people’s committee, said: “We are committed to providing high quality, accessible childcare opportunities for families in the county and we are very proud to be named as an early innovator for this project.
“Our expertise working with families and organisations across early years education has been recognised and we can make a real difference with this work.”
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Hide AdThe county council will specifically explore the childcare needs of today’s modern families and carers, as well as exploring how this need can be met by quality childcare provision.
This September, a pilot will take place in certain areas of the country delivering 30 hours of childcare a week to eligible three and four year olds, before the national roll-out next year.
Parents looking for childcare or and how to access free childcare entitlements, call 0300 500 8080 or visit www.nottshelpyourself.org.uk.
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