Chancellor Rishi Sunak has confirmed the government will continue to pay the funding to councils for providers to offer the free hours entitlements to disadvantaged two-year-olds as well as for three- and four-year-olds.
This will be paid out even in the event of nursery, pre-school and childminder closures as well as if a child is unable to attend due to coronavirus, which is also known as Covid-19.
The Department for Education has reminded councils of their duty to pass on the funding to providers “to minimise short-term disruption”.
“Millions of parents rely on childcare and the vital service provided by nurseries, childminders and preschools. Making sure that young children can be cared for safely so that their parents are able to work where required is of the utmost importance now more than ever,” said Education Secretary Gavin Williamson.
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