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<p>The government is committed to supporting the early years sector and, at Spring
Budget, announced an extra £4.4 billion of investment by 27-28 for the free hours
offers in England. Through this package, the government will be more than doubling
its spend on free childcare hours.</p><p> </p><p>Local authorities are required by
legislation to deliver free early education entitlements places through providers
registered on the Ofsted Early Years Register. This can include nurseries, childminders
(including those registered with a childminder agency) and schools which take children
aged two and over and which are therefore exempt from registration with Ofsted as
early years providers.</p><p> </p><p>The government recognises that relatives do an
incredibly important job in a child’s upbringing and can also help families meet their
childcare needs. However, to ensure quality early education, free childcare entitlements
cannot be used to pay family members to look after children.</p>
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