News

Updated 30 hours guide sets out expectation that parents pay for meals

Legislation
The Department for Education’s updated operational guidance now says that parents taking up the 30 hours can 'expect to' pay for meals, consumables and activities offered by the provider.


The Early Education and Childcare: operational guidance, which was first published in April, has been updated to provide more clarification for providers and local authorities in response to feedback from those taking part in the 30-hours funded childcare pilot.

Under the heading ‘Meals, consumables and additional activities’, the updated guidance states, ‘Government funding is intended to deliver 15 to 30 hours a week of free, high-quality flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the costs of meals, other consumables, additional hours or additional activities. Parents can therefore expect to pay for any meals offered by the provider. Parents can also expect to pay for other consumables or additional activities, such as nappies or trips.’

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