Decision details

In the Spring Budget 2023 the Chancellor announced the expansion of Early Years Entitlements. This means that by September 2025 working parents of all children over the age of nine months are entitled to 30 hours of government funded childcare. The DfE has allocated £885,466.40 to Wiltshire Council to support the expansion of places.

This funding will be allocated to providers who are also contributing a minimum of 50% towards the project and the spend will be monitored. Providers will be asked to consider best value for money when appointing contractors to undertake work to create additional childcare places.

The report seeks approval to award the following amount:

Sixpenny         £152,770

I approve the award to Sixpenny as set out in this decision.

This decision was published on 3 March 2025 and will take effect on 11 March 2025.

An elected member decision is required as in some cases the funding allocated to providers may exceed £50,000. All funding used is from DfE Grant No 31/6960.

The funding has been allocated to Wiltshire Council for the purpose of childcare expansion and will only be used for this purpose.  No other options have been considered.

The early years sector has been informed that the funding is available and how it can be used. Information has been shared through a sufficiency report with Children’s Select Committee.

Funding will be allocated from Expressions of Interest which will be assessed against the following criteria:

•           Demand in the community area.

•           Number of new places for two-year-olds and under

•           Percentage of contributions from the provider.

•           Speed of delivery of places (planning permission, etc).