Thousands of working parents of children aged nine-months and up are set to benefit from free childcare.
After the scheme was first rolled-out to working parents of children aged two earlier this year as part of the “largest expansion of childcare in history”, the Government has now extended this to children aged nine-months and up, ahead of expanding it even further to a total of 30 funded hours from next September.
This now means that working parents of children from the age of nine-months can now apply for 15-hours of free childcare per week.
The Government says the scale of challenge in delivering this scheme that it inherited from the former Government is a “substantial” one, but ministers are now “taking the action needed” to put this promise into action.
We're creating an early years sector built on strong foundations, where children can start school ready to learn🧸
Eligible working parents of children from 9-months-old will begin to access 15 hours of childcare this Monday.
“To deliver what parents have been promised requires an unprecedented rate of growth in childcare places and staff,” the Department for Education (DfE) conceded.
The expansion in Government-funded childcare hours is said to be just one step towards the Education Secretary’s vision of an early education and childcare system that “supports children to build on strong foundations” and “start school ready to learn”.
Speaking as the scheme extended to working parents of nine-month-olds this week, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson explained: “I’ve already said that early years is my number one priority, and that’s why we are delivering the childcare rollout I know will be such a help to hard-pressed parents.
Working parents of children aged nine-months and up can now apply for free childcare / Credit: Troy T | Ryan Fields (via Unsplash)
“This inherited plan comes with significant delivery challenges.
“I must warn that for some parents it will not be plain sailing, and while I am excited to see children starting nursery for the first time, or parents being able to increase their working hours, the work for the Government starts now.
“Over the next year, I will be working flat out with my team to ensure the next phase of the rollout is possible.”
In addition to the extension of funded childcare, the Government has also announced its intent to introduce new “wraparound” childcare places for primary school-aged children, both before and after the school day.
Find out if you’re eligible for free childcare on the gov.uk website here.
Featured Image – Tai’s Captures (via Unsplash)
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Cult favourite burger chain Burgerism given green light to open in Leeds suburb
An award-winning burger chain can now open a new branch in a Leeds suburb after plans have been agreed.
If you don't know Burgerism, then get to know.
The Manchester-based burger chain is known by many for its incredible smash patties and quick, reliable service.
Their concept is simple: good burgers made with quality ingredients and cooked fresh to order.
The chain used to have a dark kitchen on the outskirts of the city where people could order via Deliveroo, however this closed down and since then there's been a Burgerism-shaped hole left in our foodie scene.
Images: The Manc Group
Burgerism recently applied to move into a vacant shop unit in Meandwood at 605 Meanwood Road, seeking change-of-use planning permission for the former Papa Johns site which was previously only allowed to serve...well, pizzas.
Burgerism's new takeaway will be near the famed Zucco restaurant and The Meanwood Tavern, perfect for those looking for some post-pint burgers.
The planning officer's report stated that the applicant must give sufficient details of extraction equipment to prevent the odour for people living above.
It read: “The application site relates to a vacant ground floor premises within a parade of three commercial units in a local town centre. Above the premises are three floors of purpose-built self-contained flats.”
A design report by Burgerism read: “The proposal will ensure the continued use of a vacant hot food takeaway and will support the continued viability of the town centre of Meanwood, with an exciting new operator in the market.”
The brand-new Burgerism would employ 15 people from the local area and would serve food between 11am and 11pm.
We'll keep you up to date as and when we find out more, so you can get your Burgerism fix.
Trinity Kitchen to undergo £15m expansion creating a one-of-a-kind rooftop food hall destination
Clementine Hall
Trinity Kitchen is about to get a huge revamp with work due to commence in spring.
Trinity Leeds has revealed that Freight Island, the team behind the UK’s leading food hall and entertainment venue, will operate the expanded Trinity Kitchen.
The whopping £15m renovation is aiming to deliver a one-of-a-kind destination food hall experience to Leeds.
The project, which has received planning approval from Leeds City Council, represents Trinity Leeds’ largest single investment since the centre first opened its doors.
The expansion will revitalise a previously unused 15,000 sq ft area above Trinity Kitchen, creating a 63,000 sq ft food and leisure destination that includes a striking new outdoor terrace overlooking City Square.
Image: Supplied
Work will begin late spring and once complete, Freight Island will operate the new food and leisure space.
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “Delivering an exceptional visitor experience has always been our top priority here at Trinity Leeds. Since launching in 2013, Trinity Kitchen has been an exciting and evolving concept, and our new plans will mark its most exciting chapter yet.
"The venue will be transformed into a spectacular multi-level dining, entertainment and dynamic leisure venue, enhanced by additional space and a new terrace to bring the atmosphere outdoors.
“Freight Island will help to elevate our food and drink offering, creating an expansive and immersive venue, with exciting opportunities for new brands and operators to join our thriving community. Together, we will build on Trinity Kitchen’s decade-long success, ensuring it continues to grow its appeal as a best-in-class food and leisure destination.”
Dan Morris, Managing Director of Freight Island, said: “Trinity Kitchen is an iconic Leeds destination with a decade-long reputation for championing independent food traders and creating a genuinely social dining experience. We’re incredibly excited to be bringing Freight Island to Trinity Leeds as part of this landmark expansion."
Emily Sergeant -
3rd September 2024 
