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<p>We are committed to ensuring that all families have access to high quality, flexible
and affordable childcare that meets the needs of working parents and supports the
best outcomes for children. Extending the hours over which funded provision can be
delivered, from 7.00am to 7.00pm to 6.00am to 8.00pm, means that providers can offer
the 30 hours entitlement more flexibly.</p><p>Our early delivery areas have developed
and tested innovative, flexible childcare approaches to support working families.
In the early implementation evaluation survey, over three-quarters (78%) of parents
reported that they had greater flexibility in their working life as a result of the
30 hours entitlement. Case studies showed that increased work flexibility helped parents
to obtain more secure employment, enhanced career opportunities and improved their
work-life balance. These approaches have been shared widely with all providers and
local authorities.</p><p>We have also published practical, hands-on guidance for providers
who want to work in partnership to deliver the entitlement, so that individual providers
that cannot meet parents’ needs on their own can work effectively with others in order
to do so.</p>
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