The Department for Education (DfE) has released the latest statistics on the number of 30 hours childcare codes issued and validated for the spring term 2018. This follows experimental statistics on the use of 30 hours childcare released in November 2017.

DfE has also published the local authority 30 hours breakdown, detailing how many 30 hours codes that have been issued and validated according to each local authority.

Liz Bayram, Chief Executive of PACEY comments on the latest 30 hours figures:

“The latest data shows DfE has achieved its target of 310,000 codes issued, but a decline in the number of codes validated as a percentage of codes issued warrants further consideration. It is still early days for the roll-out of the 30 hours offer, but there is a mixed picture concerning implementation. PACEY is calling on government to commit to providing more robust data on the actual take up of places, and to do more to challenge local authorities where take up is low. In particular, government should consider how improved funding levels to providers in some areas could support the creation of more places, and crack down on those local authorities who are still creating unnecessary red tape for providers to battle through if they want to deliver these places. Only by working together can we ensure all families who want a place can secure one for their child.”

Find continued support for 30 hours on our spotlight.