Plymouth Sees 18% Rise in Children Accessing Funded Early Education
Over 6,300 children in Plymouth are benefiting from expanded childcare entitlements, supporting families and boosting the local sector.
By Verity Coombes
••2 min read
AI
Generic image of children's building blocks and educational toys on a light surface.
More than 6,300 children in Plymouth are now accessing funded early education and childcare, with a significant 18 per cent increase in benefiting children since 2024, according to a report to Cabinet.
The expansion of childcare entitlements, part of the Government's ambition to improve access to affordable childcare, has seen almost three-quarters of funded children now accessing the extended 30-hour entitlement. This initiative aims to enable more parents and carers to work or train, while improving outcomes for children through high-quality early education.
Plymouth's childcare sector has successfully responded to the increased demand through close collaboration between Plymouth City Council, schools, and childcare providers. In the past 12 months, 177 new early years places have been created, with a further 140 in development. Provision beyond the school day has also expanded, with 14 new breakfast clubs and hundreds of additional wraparound childcare places.
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"This is making a genuine difference to families across Plymouth. Since the expansion of early years entitlements in 2024, more children are now benefiting from funded early education and childcare, giving them opportunities to learn, develop and thrive, while helping parents balance work and family life."
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"We're proud of the way providers across the city have responded to this challenge. Together, we've created hundreds of additional childcare places, expanded breakfast clubs and wraparound care, and helped ensure families can access the support they need."
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"High-quality early education is one of the most important investments we can make in a child's future. While we know there is more to do, particularly around places for younger children and workforce recruitment, this report shows that Plymouth is in a strong position and continuing to build the capacity needed to support families across our city."
While demand for places for babies and younger children remains high, Plymouth continues to have sufficient overall childcare capacity. The Council is working with providers to expand provision where it is most needed and maintain a sustainable childcare market.
