The code sets out what is required from local authorities and childcare providers in order to ensure that every three- and four-year-old receives 15 hours of free childcare each week, for 38 weeks each year, from September 2010. Currently three- and four-year-olds receive 12.5 hours a week.
It is the product of a two month consultation which took place between May and July this year, and will now be open for further consultation until January 2010.
The code instructs local authorities to allow parents flexible access to 15 hours of childcare over no less than three days a week, without being forced into paying extra fees on top to cover provider costs. It also sets out instructions to ensure that high quality provision is incentivised with more funding.
Purnima Tanuku, chief executive of National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) welcomed the publication but warned that that providers must be funded appropriately to ensure the free entitlement is a success.
"It is crucial that changes to funding via the Early Years Single Funding Formula work to ensure that providers can offer a flexible, high quality offer that is free at the point of delivery," she said. "While the code does state that local authorities need to ensure that they do not risk sufficiency of provision through quality incentives, it is important that as well as rewarding quality, providers receive the support needed."
