LESS than half of all primary schools with nurseries will offer 30 hours of free childcare, when reforms come in next month.

According to papers which will be discussed by council chiefs next week, just 21 out of 55 schools have confirmed they will offer a number of 30 hour nursery places.

From September, eligible working parents of three and four-year-olds will be entitled to up to 30 hours of free childcare and early education per week for 38 weeks of the year. Both parents must be working, or the sole parent in a lone parent family, and each parent must earn on average the equivalent of 16 hours at national living wage but no more than £100,000 per year.

The papers state admission to nursery units at community schools is the responsibility of the council. It is proposed that children on the waiting list will be allocated a nursery place for universal 15 hours and parents will then be asked if they wish to apply for the additional 15 hours.

Where there are more applicants than available places, children will be allocated a 30 hour place in date of birth order. Parents must confirm eligibility with the school every three months and the council will check on all claims six times per year. Should a child become ineligible and the parent wishes them to continue to attend for 30 hours, the school may allow the parent to fund the additional hours.

The council’s ruling cabinet is expected to approve amendments to its nursery admissions policy on Wednesday. 

Read more in this week's Barnsley Chronicle