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<p>We have recently consulted on a comprehensive set of reforms to the early years
funding system, and one of our proposals is to allow local authorities to use a rurality/sparsity
supplement in their local funding formulae, in recognition that there may be unavoidable
higher costs to providers operating in sparsely populated, rural areas with limited
demand. We are currently considering all responses to the consultation and are planning
to publish the government’s response in the autumn.</p><p> </p><p>We are also keen
to gather learning and test how the extended entitlement will operate in a range of
area types, including rural areas. Through Early Implementation of the 30 Hours Free
Childcare entitlement, Northumberland, one of our early implementer local authorities,
is looking specifically at how the extended hours work for and impact on providers
operating within the most rural postcodes in Northumberland. Since September, over
500 children in rural parts of Northumberland have been benefiting from a 30 hours
free childcare place a year early.</p>
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