The DfE has published the findings from an independent evaluation of the early rollout of 30 hours free childcare, ahead of national rollout in September 2017. The report provides the main findings from the evaluation and recommendations to support the 30 hours free childcare policy.

The national rollout will offer all 3- and 4-year-olds with working parents 30 hours of free childcare for 38 weeks each year.

The evaluation aimed to:

  • test sufficiency and take-up
  • provide useful lessons to help facilitate national rollout of the policy
  • provide early indications of impacts on childcare use and parental work