Gyimah praises council for high take-up of free childcare

Gyimah wrote to Hartlepool Council after government statistics revealed that, as of June, nearly nine out of every 10 (88 per cent) of eligible two-year-olds were participating in free early years education.

The 88 per cent take-up in Hartlepool compares with a national average of 63 per cent.

Since September 2013, 20 per cent of two-year-olds in the poorest households have been eligible for 15 hours of funded early education. This was expanded to 40 per cent in September 2014.

In the letter to Hartlepool Sam Gyimah said: "Your ongoing dedication continues to raise the standards for children from the most disadvantaged backgrounds and gives them the crucial support they need to do well at school and beyond.

"Thank you for all your hard work and dedication. Your sustained efforts are helping to ensure that children from lower income backgrounds have the very best start in life."

Chris Simmons, chair of the council's children's services policy committee, said: "It is so important that every child gets off to the best possible start in their early years and it's very pleasing to see that Hartlepool is leading the way with the best take-up of all 152 local authorities.

"This is a significant achievement and I would like to congratulate council officers for their efforts and the many providers who have contributed to its success."

Hartlepool delivers its early years education through nine schools, 16 private nurseries and 10 childminders.

The government rolled out free childcare for disadvantaged two-year-olds in 2009. There have been criticisms, however, that not enough places are being filled.

In July this year Ofsted chief Sir Michael Wilshaw called on local authorities to do more to promote free early years provision.