The authority is leading the way in extending the number of free hoursof childcare that parents can get each week. Currently all three- andfour-year-olds are entitled to 12 free hours per week for 38 weeks ayear. But the Government has said this will increase to 15 hours a weekby 2010.
Rochdale has been chosen as a pathfinder and hopes to get more than1m from the Department for Education and Skills to offer extrafree childcare to about 2,700 children.
Bob Adams, the council's play and childcare development officer, saidthe aim was that three-quarters of children would get the extra hours byApril next year and all would have the entitlement by April 2008.
The project is headed by a steering group, which includes the privateand voluntary sectors. Three sub-groups are investigating some of thechallenges. This includes looking at financial issues and a review offunding for the free places, following concern that current rates don'tcover costs.
"We're looking to up our current rate for the private, voluntary andindependent sector," said Adams. "We're trying to get a rate that willbe above break even, which is one of the concerns providers have."
Adams said the authority was pleased with the positive response fromprivate, voluntary and independent providers, but added that thetimescale was tight. He said the scheme would give parents more choiceand help lift children out poverty.
