Apr 24, 2024
Government cancelled plans to test free childcare rollout, says watchdog
Plans to test free childcare hours for toddlers and babies in a small number of council areas ahead of the national rollout were cancelled, according to a report by the public spending watchdog. In Wakefield, where a 30% increase in childcare hours will be needed by September 2025, social worker Sophie Rayner said she was struggling to find a provider with enough hours available for her return to work. The NAO said it was not clear how many parents would either go back into work or increase their hours because of the free hours - which leaves questions about whether the extension will achieve its primary aim or represent value for money. A DfE spokesperson said the government was "delivering the largest ever expansion of childcare in England's history". Who gets 15 hours of free childcare and how do I apply?
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