Early Education and Childcare Flexible Framework · Westmorland and Furness Council (Feb 2024)

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. Newproviders can access the framework at www.the-chest.gov.uk ↗ or by contacting

[email protected] or [email protected]