Childminding scheme in Northamptonshire given grant
A trial looking at new ways to deliver free early education help to youngsters has been awarded a £145,500 grant.
The Northamptonshire County Council scheme will work with partners to increase the number of childminders for disadvantaged two-year-olds.
The scheme aims to provide 10 hours a week of free early learning for two-year-olds to help support parents who are juggling work and family life.
It will pave the way for a national expansion of the scheme.
Rebecca Harding, assistant cabinet member for children and young people, said: "It is really good news that Northamptonshire was one of only 15 local authorities selected out of 110 applications.
"We'll be investing the money in a pilot project to increase parental choice by raising the number of childminders and providers who reach the quality standards for delivery of the free entitlement."