The eagerly awaited Evaluation of Early Implementation of 30 Hours Free Childcare was published in July.
The first conclusion I drew from the evaluation is there are too many caveats to draw any firm conclusions. The authors point to uncertainties around the small-scale sample; the timing of the early implementation period (which took place during the autumn term, when demand is at its lowest); the fact that the participating eight authorities generally had a good track record of delivery, meaning we might be seeing positively skewed outcomes; and the additional support provided, including early innovator funding and other financial support.
Nevertheless, the authors conclude ‘there is no specific reason to believe that 30 hours free childcare will not be a success’. And, accepting the limitations of the evaluation, there are some positive findings, including increased parental working hours and improved household finances. But there are three worrying findings that the report seems to skirt around.
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