Early Education and Childcare Flexible Framework

Description

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]