Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how he fulfils his duty under section 1(1) of the Childcare Act 2016 alongside or in conjunction with the duty of local authorities as set out in regulation 33 of the Childcare (Early Years Provision Free of Charge) (Extended Entitlement) Regulations 2016.

The Childcare Act 2016 places a duty on the Secretary of State to secure 30 hours free childcare for three and four year olds of working parents who meet the eligibility criteria. Regulations made under the Childcare Care Act 2016 allow the Secretary of State to discharge his duty to secure this free childcare through English local authorities. All local authorities have the support of our delivery contractor, Childcare Works, to help ensure that all eligible children can take up a place.