An in-depth study on City of York Council’s 30 Hours of free childcare trial has confirmed that the council exceeded its government target – and secured 100% sign-up from private and voluntary settings.
The study also publishes comments from parents involved in the pilot.
A national evaluation of the trial run by eight councils was published by the government on 17 July and showcases York’s work and partnership with local childcare providers.
This York-specific study by Frontier Economics looks at the work of the council – the only authority to fully implement the 30 Hours free childcare programme in a trial – and details the very high level of participation, including childminders.
The Department for Education (DfE) funded all children eligible for the extended hours and estimated that, in York, 1,480 would be eligible.
The DfE challenged York to engage at least 70% of them, but the council exceeded that – and, by the spring term, 1,678 places had been provided and taken up.
Besides indicating the trial’s success, the council says it shows that the number of eligible families in York is higher than estimated.
The case study identifies that the reason behind the success was involving childcare providers and York’s Shared Foundation Partnerships at an early stage, to further improve quality and to meet demand for childcare places on this popular programme.
The commitment and expertise given to providers by York’s childcare strategy team was also praised.
The case study gives evidence of providers’ support for the 30 Hours programme – and shows that, even when concerns about funding are raised, the providers work with the programme to make it viable for parents and commercially.
No parents were refused the extended hours.
More than half the York families interviewed said that the additional disposable income the scheme gave them allowed them to afford outings, children’s after-school activities and holidays.
A few parents felt that their careers had benefited, as they could be more flexible for employers or they could train or study.
The case study includes the child’s experience of 30 Hours – providers stress that good-quality provision has proven benefits for children and parents agreed, appreciating the continuity of care and how their children develop from it. Only 7% of parents felt their children were spending too long in childcare.
City of York Council’s Executive Member for education, children and young people, Councillor Stuart Rawlings, said:
“York was chosen to join the 30-hour trial because of the proven quality of provision and the strength of the partnership working across the sector.
“Enabling parents to return to work or further training was always at the core of the programme – and it’s great to hear that so many have taken the opportunity.
“Come September, when 30 Hours rolls out nationally, we are confident that our early work and joint commitment with providers will continue to make this a lasting success.”
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