The LGA supports the provision of free early education for disadvantaged two-year-olds, in addition to the wider offer for all families.
The LGA welcomes the opportunity to comment on this consultation.
1. The Local Government Association supports the provision of free early education for disadvantaged two-year-olds, in addition to the wider offer for all families.
2. With regard to the specific questions within the consultation, we agree with the proposed net earnings threshold, and we do not feel that the proposal will adversely affect any children who share one of more of the relevant protected characteristics outlined in the Equality Act 2010.
3. The offer for families is currently complex due to the range of different schemes available and their varied policy aims and eligibility criteria (for example, free childcare for disadvantaged two-year-olds to improve their social mobility, and 30 hours childcare for children aged 3 and 4 of working parents to encourage take-up of employment). We would welcome the opportunity to work with the Department to ensure that the different elements of the early years offer work together coherently for the benefit of children and families.