Free Childcare Scheme Gains Popularity

Staffordshire Employers are trialling a scheme offering 30 hours free childcare for some families, a year earlier than the rest of the country.

After Staffordshire successfully bid to be one of the eight countrywide pilot schemes, there are 415 places to be allocated to local families, each receiving 30 hours free for 3 and 4 year old children. They are now working with employers across the region to spread the message to both eligible employees and prospective new recruits

Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for Learning and Skills, Ben Adams, explains: “We surveyed 1,200 families and half said they found childcare costs a problem, with 39 per cent reducing their working hours to cope.

“This scheme will make a real difference to hundreds of families; it will help them find extra work, or if they already work full time it will put money in their pockets.

“And as well as having an impact straightaway, the lessons we and the Government learn from this trial will help when it’s introduced for everyone in September next year.”

One of the first big names already signed up is supermarket giant Tesco, initially to benefit it’s Fradley distribution based staff, but now extended to the staffordshire wide employee base. Also in the scheme are Florette, Fradley; the Wincanton B&Q distribution centre at Branston; and the Asda store in Stafford.

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Ben Adams continues: “I know one company is already including this offer in its recruitment literature. It’s a fantastic opportunity and my message to parents of three and four-year-olds is if the county council hasn’t approached your company about this scheme, ask your bosses how to get involved or contact our Family Information Service direct on 01785 278201, or email fis@staffordshire.gov.uk  .

The county council’s track record of successful promotion of the 15 hour free nursery provision, which resulted in one of the highest take-up rates in the country, was a strong factor in their wining bid for the current scheme.

Other employers already participating in this scheme are: Briggs Equipment, Cannock; SAI Automotive/Faurecia, Fradley; Molson Coors, Burton; the Argos distribution centre at Acton Gate, near Stafford; the Asda store at Tamworth; and Ornua Foods, Leek.

More employers are being added to the list regularly, please see  www.staffordshire.gov.uk/30hour.