Early Education and Childcare Flexible Framework

Descriptions

THIS IS NOT A NEW CONTRACT AWARD - THIS IS INFORMATION FOLLOWING LOCALGOVERNMENT REORGANISATIONLocal authorities have a legislative duty to secure free childcare places for eligible two, threeand four year olds. Every child is eligible for up to 570 hours (1140 for families eligible for 30hours free childcare per academic year over no fewer than 38 weeks and up to 52 weeks ofhe year. Local Authorities have a duty to ensure that each child is able to access their freeentitlement no later than the beginning of the term following the meeting of the eligibilitycriteriaOn 01 April 2023, Cumbria County Council ceased to exist and is replaced by two newunitary authorities; Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council.The current countywide framework for Early Education and Childcare was due to end on 31stAugust 2023. This notice seeks to inform the replacement of Cumbria County Council to thewo new authorities. New framework agreements from each authority were issued to existingproviders and will be issued to new providers with effect from the 1st April 2023 which willreflect both Cumberland and Westmorland & Furness new local authority footprints. Fromhis time, each new council will manage the addition of new providers on to their framework.Existing providers already on the framework do not need to re-apply to this framework. Newproviders can access the framework at www.the-chest.gov.uk or by contactingfree.entitlement@cumberland.gov.uk or free.entitlement@waf.gov.uk