TG Escapes Blog

Creating space for the new 30 hours free childcare provision

by Robyn Fletcher | Oct 6, 2016 | Blog, Education

As all providers of Early Years services will be aware, The Childcare Act 2016 provided for an additional 15 hours of free childcare for certain working parents of eligible 3 and 4 year olds, on top of the existing universal provision of 15 hours of free childcare. This new “extended entitlement” of 30 hours of free childcare is due to be introduced throughout England from September 2017, and has already commenced in a few pilot areas.
In its Spending Review earlier this year, the Government announced an extra £300 million to increase the national average funding rate for free childcare for 3 and 4 year olds to £4.88 (although the actual rate paid to providers will be determined by local authorities), as well as allocating £50 million from the DfE’s capital budget to support the creation of additional early years places.
Early Years providers most likely to be investing in the extension of physical infrastructure are specialist nursery operators, with land on which to build, and schools wishing to establish foundation stage facilities within the school grounds, for pre-school children in their catchment areas.
TG Escapes have years of experience creating standalone eco-nurseries that are designed specifically for the provision of early years care. We offer an all-in-one solution which will include bright, secure play areas, offices, toilets and washrooms inside, whilst our covered walkways, secure lobbies and wide doorways provide free flow access to the outdoors in all weathers. Sun pipes, sedum roofs and energy efficient designs make our A rated buildings more economical to run and cosy in the winter months.
All Learning Escapes are bespoke designs by our architects Metropolis. However, to give you an idea of cost, a classic 85sqm building with space for 24 children, an office, 4 toilets, a washroom, a wet play area and canopies will cost ÂŁ132k. Further examples of larger buildings are available on the TG Escapes website. Prices quoted are for our full service from design and planning to handover of keys and will be guaranteed at the point when you are fully satisfied with your selected, unique design features and the project proposal is agreed.
We promise that the build process will not be beset by unexpected hidden extras, as we make a commitment to include everything in the initial project proposal. The process itself couldn’t be easier, with full bespoke design and project management in a one stop shop. Our service includes application for planning permission; full compliance with building regulations; site clearance (including demolition if necessary); foundations and all service connections.
Once the keys have been handed over, you can rest assured that we are in it for the long term. Every Learning Escape comes with 10 years’ warranty on the main structure; 20 years’ warranty on the roof and 12 months’ manufacturer’s warranties on all fixtures and fittings. We can also offer after care and will be happy to discuss a long term maintenance plan or changes of usage that may become necessary in the years to come.
We can also introduce you to finance providers who can help state funded organisations with operating leases.

About the author

Robyn Fletcher
Robyn has been with TGEscapes for 8 years working in various areas of the company including sales, administration, marketing and customer service with a particular interest in social media. She has trained in business and administration, as well as working for a short time in insurance. Robyn has grown up and lives in rural Herefordshire, she is the mother of a lovely 6 year old boy and has an interest in all things environmental.

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