Council wants your viewson changes to childcare

Parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities are being asked to give their views on the government's initiative to extend free childcare for three and four-year-olds to up to 30 hours a week from 2017.

By The Newsroom

Published 11th Nov 2016, 06:00 BST

Updated 16th Nov 2016, 17:01 BST

Councillor Keith Mans, Hampshire County Council’s lead member for children’s services, said: ‘Through an online survey and a series of focus group sessions, we want to gather as many views as possible. This will be invaluable in being able to give the government an accurate picture of what parents in Hampshire think of their proposals for changes to the national childcare offer.’

A focus group session for parents and carers of young children is being held on Tuesday, November 29 at Sharps Copse School, Prospect Lane, Havant from 6pm to 8pm.

Parents are asked to email childcare@hants.gov.uk to book a place and to enquire about crèche facilities where available. Those unable to attend can complete an online childcare survey that can also be accessed via the Hampshire Local Offer web pages. (hantslocaloffer.info/en/Childcare_and_early_years_-_Free_childcare_offer_for_three_and_four_year_olds).