BRIGG COUNCILLOR SAYS HAVE YOUR SAY ON CHILDCARE

FROM NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL

From September 2017, three and four year old children of most working parents will be entitled to 30 hours' FREE childcare per week during school term time. 

The current entitlement is 15 hours per week during term time. The additional hours are to support families with the cost of childcare; they can access fewer hours a week and spread the entitlement over a whole year.
In North Lincolnshire, more than 2,500 three and four year olds benefit from the current entitlement. This is over 99 per cent of the eligible population. More than 20 per cent of children spend more than 15 hours per week in childcare, their families paying for those extra hours.
North Lincolnshire Council is asking families, with children under five years of age, what they think of childcare in North Lincolnshire. We want to know if families will take up the additional free hours when they are available.
The council’s questionnaire is available from all Ofsted registered child carers in North Lincolnshire. It can also be accessed via the council website. 

Visit www.northlincs.gov.uk/current-consultations before 15 July.
Everyone who completes the council’s questionnaire will be entered into a free prize draw to win up to £30 of Toys R Us vouchers.
The Government is also seeking feedback from interested parents, carers and childcare professionals on the best way this can be delivered. The consultation closes on 6 June.
The consultation is available via the Government website. Visit www.gov.uk/government/consultations/30-hour-free-childcare-entitlement to complete the online survey. Your views on how the entitlement can be delivered flexibly to meet the needs of parents, its provision for children with additional needs and the council’s role in administering the scheme are needed.
Families are also reminded about the Tax Free Childcare (TFC) scheme that will be rolled out in 2017. Most working households with children under the age of 12 (or 17 if disabled) will be eligible. For every 80 pence a family spends on childcare, the Government will add another 20 pence, up to £2,000 per year. For more information visit the Government website www.gov.uk/government/news/tax-free-childcare-10-things-parents-should-know
Information about childcare providers in North Lincolnshire can be found on our website www.northlincs.gov.uk/fis or contact the Family Information Service fis@northlincs.gov.uk or 01724 296629.
Coun Rob Waltham (Brigg & Wolds), Deputy Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Parents and carers in North Lincolnshire work hard to balance employment and childcare commitments.
“The Government commitment to double the amount of free early education for eligible three and four year olds helps families to manage the cost of childcare. It supports parents into work or gives them the option to work more hours, should they wish to.
“The consultation gives interested people the chance to say how they think the scheme should be delivered, but you need to be quick and respond before the 6 June deadline.
“Our second, local questionnaire will give us important feedback about childcare in North Lincolnshire. We want to make sure we are meeting the needs of families now and in the future.”