Recent research by the Family and Childcare Trust that revealed more than 30,000 disadvantaged two-year-olds are missing out on the government's free childcare offer has prompted the charity's chief executive to urge local authorities to up their game in delivering the scheme.
Since last September, parents of England's 130,000 most disadvantaged two-year-olds have been able to claim up to 15 hours of free weekly childcare from a local provider. But the data, collected by the charity as part of its annual Childcare Costs Survey, showed that a quarter of eligible children were without a free place as of November 2013.
According to the Trust's research, take up of the scheme was particularly low in London (51 per cent), while the South West, and Yorkshire and Humberside regions saw the highest levels of take-up (91 per cent).
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
