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<p>Local authorities have a statutory duty to secure 15 hours a week of free early
education for 38 weeks of the year for eligible two year olds and all three and four
year olds. Statistics published in June 2017 show that in January 2017, 95% of three
and four year olds and 71% of eligible two year olds were benefitting from a free
place, a 3% increase from the previous year.</p><p> </p><p>We have recruited a national
delivery contractor, Childcare Works, to support local authorities with their implementation
and delivery of 30 hours free childcare. We are monitoring take up of the two-year-old
programme and the universal entitlement for 3 and 4 year olds.</p><p> </p><p>A key
part of Childcare Works’ contract is working with local authorities to ensure that
take up of the early learning for two year olds programme does not decrease due to
the introduction of 30 hours free childcare for working parents.</p><p> </p><p>In
our 8 early implementer areas, we have not seen a negative impact on the existing
entitlements.</p>
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