Free childcare scheme for those moving from benefits to work

Two proposals, which go before Kirklees councillors tomorrow, would help remove barriers for adults who make a commitment to accessing work, education or training.

The plans are to trial free childcare for eligible families with 0-14-year-olds (0-18 for children with special needs or disability) and to expand the current system of free childcare for two-year-olds so that more people qualify for the scheme.

Councillor Mehboob Khan, leader of Kirklees Council, said the programme would be a major part of the drive to tackle poverty.

He said: “The financial cost of childcare can be a real barrier that stops local people going into education or employment.

“By funding free places for eligible families, we can help those people to access high-quality childcare which then allows them time to work or gain qualifications – and that means they are more able to support themselves.

“We know there are many people with children who want to move from benefits into work or to develop new skills that will help them get a job but who, unfortunately, are trapped in a vicious circle.

“If the proposals are agreed, they will improve family life, boost 
the Kirklees economy and help local children – evidence suggests that children who attend high-quality childcare settings are 
better prepared for starting school and perform better as they 
move through the education system.

“Supporting people into work and improving life chances for our young people are key council priorities, and this flagship programme would highlight our commitment.

“From September next year all councils will have to offer 15 hours of free childcare for 20 per cent of two-year-olds, but here in Kirklees we’ll be way ahead of that requirement – we’ll be leading the way in this vital area of work.”

Cabinet members will decide whether to trial funding of up to 25 hours free childcare per week, during term time, for Kirklees parents with children aged 0-14 (18 for children with special needs or disability) who are in receipt of Job Seekers Allowance and who currently find it difficult to access funding for childcare and who take up specified training which supports ‘work readiness’.

The Cabinet committee could also agree to trial the expansion of 10 hours free childcare for two-year-olds who are eligible for free school meals and whose parents or carers receive one or more of the following: Income Support; Income based Job Seekers Allowance; Income related Employment and Support Allowance; Child Tax Credit, but are not entitled to a Working Tax Credit and your annual income (as assessed by Revenue and Customs) is less than £16,190; Support under Part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, and Guarantee element of State Pension Credit.

Parents of two-year-olds eligible for this scheme would be expected to attend an information session and subsequent ‘support sessions’ at their local children’s centre, where they would be advised about the range of services, training and development opportunities available whilst their child is accessing childcare. Eligibility for this element of the scheme would begin the term after a child becomes two.

Two-year-old children with a disability, children looked after by the council, children with a child protection plan or common assessment framework plan and those who have been identified as a ‘child in need’ are already entitled to a place.

Coun Khan added: “Under this scheme, many parents who show a commitment to entering work or education – but whose circumstances make that very difficult – would be able to pursue new goals in life.” The first year would cost £1.3m, rising to £2.5m in 2013/14 and then £4.8m, with the money coming from Government grants.