Nursery World - 30 Hours, Part 5: York

York’s pilot was hit when providers refused to take part. What is happening now the rate has been raised, asks Charlotte Goddard, while James Hempsall gives his take on the pilot

Extended free childcare got off to a shaky start in early implementer York, when more than 30 providers pulled out of the scheme last year, blaming underfunding. Rates were initially set at £3.38 for the first 15 hours and £3.95 for the second. However, talks between providers, the council and the DfE resulted in the rate being raised to a flat £4 an hour.

Now, 86 per cent of providers in York have signed up to deliver the 30 hours. ‘Discussions about a fair hourly rate came to a good conclusion, but there are challenges ahead for how the new formula will impact the hourly rate,’ says Barbara Mands, head of childcare strategy at City of York Council. A consultation has taken place with York providers on a new Early Years Single Funding Formula, and local authority proposals have been considered by the local schools forum; it is currently proposed that the base rate will remain £4 per hour for 2017/18. Some providers say this is still not enough, and are meeting with minister Caroline Dinenage to express concerns.

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