Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 11
11
Accepted in Part
Paragraph: 94
Streamline funded hours entitlement system and reduce eligibility reconfirmation to annually
Recommendation
We recommend that the funded hours entitlement system be made more streamlined. For example, parents should be able to access childcare as soon as they receive an 74 Support for childcare and the early years eligibility code. The requirement for parents to reconfirm their eligibility every three months for both the 30-hours entitlement and the Tax-Free Childcare scheme is unduly onerous and should be reduced to once per year.
Government Response Summary
DfE is exploring options for simplifying the application process and improving the user experience for parents accessing childcare entitlements and will review the frequency of reconfirmation alongside the roll out of the new entitlements.
Paragraph Reference:
94
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
DfE recognises the need for flexibility for parents in accessing the entitlements. Parents can apply for the new entitlements up to 3 months before they become eligible, and we are exploring options for simplifying the application process and improving the user experience. We will provide further details in due course. As the Committee highlights, parents must reconfirm their eligibility every three months for both the 30-hours entitlement and Tax-Free Childcare. This is to ensure support is going to those who are eligible. We will review the frequency of reconfirmation alongside the roll out of the new entitlements.