The West Sussex approach puts the child first. We work with children, families, communities, our partners and schools in a restorative, strength based way. Strong relationships are at the heart of what we do.
Broadcast for Early Years and childcare providers in West Sussex from West Sussex County Council
Difficulty viewing this bulletin? Click here to view in your browser.
Thursday 16 March 2023
Following yesterday's budget announcements we are sure you are all very keen to understand the potential impacts of the reforms to the delivery of childcare and education. These reforms include:
- Increased availability of 30 hours funded childcare to children aged 9 months – 3 years, with working parents. This will be introduced in phases, with 15 hours of free childcare for working parents of 2 year olds coming into effect in April 2024 and 15 hours of free childcare for working parents of 9 months – 3 years old in September 2024.
- Incentives for childminders joining the profession to be piloted from Autumn this year (£600 to become an Ofsted registered childminder or £1,200 to register via a Childminder Agency).
-
Changes in ratios for 2 year olds.
- Upfront payment of childcare fees for families on Universal Credit with the maximum claim increased to £951 for one child and £1,630 for two children.
- Increased funding rates for the existing offer.
- Increased availability of wraparound care for school age children.
With any new initiatives such as this, the detail that is often required by ourselves and the sector, will be contained in government guidance. At the moment we have no estimated date as to when guidance will be made available but we will share any further information as soon as we receive it, regarding the proposed implementation and timescales, via our regular emails/broadcasts.
| 
