Early Education and Childcare Flexible Framework

THIS IS NOT A NEW CONTRACT AWARD - THIS IS INFORMATION FOLLOWING LOCAL GOVERNMENT REORGANISATION Local authorities have a legislative duty to secure free childcare places for eligible two, three and four year olds. Every child is eligible for up to 570 hours (1140 for families eligible for 30 hours free childcare per academic year over no fewer than 38 weeks and up to 52 weeks of the year. Local Authorities have a duty to ensure that each child is able to access their free entitlement no later than the beginning of the term following the meeting of the eligibility criteria On 01 April 2023, Cumbria County Council ceased to exist and is replaced by two new unitary authorities; Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council. The current countywide framework for Early Education and Childcare was due to end on 31st August 2023. This notice seeks to inform the replacement of Cumbria County Council to the two new authorities. New framework agreements from each authority were issued to existing providers and will be issued to new providers with effect from the 1st April 2023 which will reflect both Cumberland and Westmorland & Furness new local authority footprints. From this 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. New providers can access the framework at www.the-chest.gov.uk or by contacting free.entitlement@cumberland.gov.uk or free.entitlement@waf.gov.uk