Responding to the NAO report on supporting disadvantaged families through free early education and childcare entitlements in England, Cllr Judith Blake, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, said:
“Councils work closely with childcare providers to make sure that parents can get the childcare they need. Unfortunately, we know many providers are struggling, as funding for free early childcare fails to cover the costs of delivery.
“Changes to the early years funding formula, and insufficient funding rates, are making it more difficult for councils to incentivise providers or to carry out their own work to increase uptake amongst disadvantaged families.
“Councils want to work with government to boost take-up among disadvantaged families. The upcoming Spending Review must invest vital funding into making sure parents and carers can access the right childcare when they need it.”
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