The Childcare Act (2006) requires local authorities in England to ensure there is sufficient childcare for children (aged 0 to 17 years old) of working parents, parents studying or training, and for disabled children within their local area.

In the Spring 2023 Budget, the Government announced a package of increased childcare support. One of the areas of addition support allows working parents to access 30 hours of free childcare per week, for 38 weeks of the year, from when their child is 2 years old to when they start school. This will be rolled out in April 2024.
Demand for funded 2 year old places has increased, across the county, over the last 3 years (pre-pandemic) by 23%. With the additional funding on offer, this will increase further.

There has been significant growth in the Ross area over recent years, with over 500 new dwellings being built. As a result, demand for childcare is also increasing.

The change in age range will help to support parents and carers wishing to go back to work/education, and therefore supports economic growth.