CYP Now - Letter: Free childcare entitlement

I just wanted to point out that the information quoted in your recent article on extended hours pilots is incorrect (Children Now, 6 December 2006-9 January 2007). The article says three- and four-year-olds are currently entitled to 12 hours of free childcare a week for 30 weeks a year. In fact, all three- and four-year-olds are currently entitled to 12.5 hours of free nursery education a week for 38 weeks of the year. This is being extended to 15 hours by 2010.

I expect this may have already been pointed out by other experts in thefield, but it is surely complicated enough for parents and providerswithout reading further information that aids confusion. Thisinformation is clearly outlined in the 10-year childcare strategydocument that is widely available on the internet.

Louise Harrison, nursery education grant administrative officer, SureStart early years and childcare service, Lancashire County Council.

We welcome your views. Please write, including address and phone number,to: The editor, Children Now, 174 Hammersmith Road, London W6 7JP, oremail cn.editorial@haymarket.com. We reserve the right to edit lettersfor publication.

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