Derby achieves above national average take-up of funded childcare

Published: 14 March 2024

Families in Derby are being supported to make the most of their entitlement to funded childcare. The uptake of the government’s Funded Early Education Entitlement in the city is above the national average, particularly for parents with eligible two-year-olds. 

The Department for Education identified that there were 991 two-year-olds in Derby who would be eligible for a funded place under the Flying Start scheme. Derby City Council’s Childcare and Families Information team, working with health and social care professionals and Derby’s early education and childcare providers, have ensured that 896 of those children are now accessing a place.

This means the take-up for two-year-olds in the city is 90% compared to 74% nationally. Derby is also above the national average for the uptake of places for three and four-year-olds, which is 96.1% compared to 92% nationally.

Not only does having access to funded place help parents, but spending time in an early years setting can be a huge boost to youngsters’ development.

Little Khyro initially found it difficult to be separated from his mum when he joined Sunnyhill Day Nursery last October. His mum Taliya also found it challenging. Staff soon discovered two-year-old Khyro’s passion for dinosaurs and made sure there were always some in the room when he arrived, which soon turned his anxiety into excitement.

Six months on, he has continued to attend nursery thanks to his 15 hours funding entitlement. Khyro’s social skills, learning and independence have significantly improved during that time.

Khyro (left) and Naomi having fun at Sunnyhill Day Nursery

Mum Taliya said:

His progress has improved massively since he started at nursery. He has come out of his shell and is much more confident. He shares and knows how to involve himself with other peers and activities.

His overall character is amazing and he’s also so smart. The impact of him being at his nursery has made this family stronger.

Two-year-old Naomi also started attending Sunnyhill Day Nursery last October. English is her second language and, initially, she did not use any words or sounds during play. She was also reserved with other children and preferred not to play alongside them. 

Six months on, Naomi has made great progress with her language and social skills. She has become more independent, showing progress with putting on her coat, using cutlery at mealtimes and achieving full toilet training. 

Naomi’s mum, Eliska, said:

My daughter is much more social, because of the nursery and is happy. She uses words to communicate, she is happy at the nursery. The work the staff do is really appreciated, you can see they are committed to all the children. This makes me happy as a mum.

Councillor John Whitby, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, Learning and Skills, said:

It’s fantastic that so many Derby families are being supported to take up the free early education that they’re entitled to. The fact that our take-up rates are above the national average is testament to the hard work done by our Childcare and Families Information team.

It’s heartwarming to hear the stories of families that have had such positive childcare experiences. If you live in Derby and would like any advice on the childcare options available to you, our Families Information Service can help.

Derby City Council’s Childcare and Families Information team (CFIT), working in partnership with Health, Family Hubs, Social Care teams and Derby’s Early Education and Childcare providers, are committed to ensuring that eligible families continue to benefit from a funded placement. 

Parents can currently access:

• 15 hours early education per week term time or 570 hours over the year for eligible two-year-olds, usually from low-income households receiving qualifying benefits.  This is known in Derby as the Flying Start for two-year-olds.
• 15 hours of early education per week for all children from the term after they turn three. If parents are working and meet eligibility criteria, children are entitled to 1140 hours which could be taken as 30 hours during term time.

Parents can use these funded hours at private day and council-maintained nurseries, playgroups, pre-schools or with a registered childminder.

More information about early education and childcare provision in Derby, as well as eligibility criteria for funded places and how to apply, is available on the Derby City Council website. 

Information on the Government’s new working parent entitlement offer available from April 2024, initially for working parents of two-year-olds for 15 hours of funded childcare provision, is available on the government’s Childcare Choices website.

Children, Education