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Update on childminders and applications for the September entitlement expansion
15 March 2024
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Department for Education
At a Glance
Issue Summary
The statement provides an update on the expansion of government-funded childcare and initiatives supporting childminders and early years providers.
Action Requested
Applications for September 2024 funding will open on May 12, 2024. The consultation to improve childminder recruitment and retention was launched today, seeking input on registration process simplification, agency flexibilities, monthly entitlements payments, and property barriers. A consultation on changes to the EYFS for an experience-based route is also underway.
Key Facts
- Chancellor announced reforms in March 2023 for childcare expansion.
- From September 2024 eligible parents can access 15 hours of free childcare weekly for their 9-month-olds.
- Applications for the second wave of childcare expansion open on May 12, 2024.
- Childminder consultation launched to address recruitment and retention issues.
- Start-up grant scheme worth up to £1200 for childminders registered after March 2023.
- Introduce an experience-based route in the EYFS following a period of supervised practice.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy