Gateshead families to benefit from new childcare offer for primary school aged children
Gateshead has been selected as one of 16 councils in England to develop wraparound childcare delivery plans for parents of primary school aged children.
The scheme would enable all parents and carers of children in this age group to access childcare in their local area between the hours of 8am and 6pm.
Some of the councils selected to be in the trial will be funded by the Department for Education (DfE) to begin rolling out the offer from next summer. The scheme is expanded to further councils from September 2024.
The programme will be provided by Gateshead Council in addition to Gateshead Family Hubs, which provide a 'front door' for families with children aged 0-19 years and up to age 25 with additional needs.
Helen Fergusson, Director of Children's Services, said: "It's fantastic news that Gateshead has been selected as one of the first councils involved in the government's wraparound childcare offer for parents and carers of primary school aged children.
"We look forward to working with the DfE to shape and influence the programme before it's rolled out to further councils."
Councillor Gary Haley, cabinet member for Children and Young People, said: "While we are incredibly proud of the support we provide our families, we welcome every opportunity to enhance our offer.
"The wraparound childcare offer will help more parents and carers in Gateshead to pursue long-term, full-time employment, boost our local economy and support our families to live thriving lives."
Gateshead has been selected as one of 16 councils in England to develop wraparound childcare delivery plans for parents of primary school aged children.
The scheme would enable all parents and carers of children in this age group to access childcare in their local area between the hours of 8am and 6pm.
Some of the councils selected to be in the trial will be funded by the Department for Education (DfE) to begin rolling out the offer from next summer. The scheme is expanded to further councils from September 2024.
The programme will be provided by Gateshead Council in addition to Gateshead Family Hubs, which provide a 'front door' for families with children aged 0-19 years and up to age 25 with additional needs.
Helen Fergusson, Director of Children's Services, said: "It's fantastic news that Gateshead has been selected as one of the first councils involved in the government's wraparound childcare offer for parents and carers of primary school aged children.
"We look forward to working with the DfE to shape and influence the programme before it's rolled out to further councils."
Councillor Gary Haley, cabinet member for Children and Young People, said: "While we are incredibly proud of the support we provide our families, we welcome every opportunity to enhance our offer.
"The wraparound childcare offer will help more parents and carers in Gateshead to pursue long-term, full-time employment, boost our local economy and support our families to live thriving lives."
