North Tyneside childcare sufficiency statement

The two year old entitlement provides eligible children with 15 hours of free childcare a week, for 38 weeks (a maximum entitlement of 570 hours).  The two year old offer supports some of the most disadvantaged children in the borough.  It is therefore important that eligible children can take up their entitlement, in high quality provision within their local communities.  This section considers whether North Tyneside’s has sufficient childcare to ensure eligible 2 year olds can take up their funded entitlement. 

Uptake – Number (Jan 2024 census)

The table and graph below show the total number of children in North Tyneside accessing their 2 year old entitlement at the January census from 2019 to 2024 

The number of two year olds accessing the 2 year old entitlement in North Tyneside declined between 2022 and 2024, from 576 to 432.  This is the lowest number of children accessing the entitlement since 2018. The decline reflects a reduction in the number of children eligible for the 2 year old entitlement.

2 Year Old Entitlement – Number of Children Identified as Potentially Eligible 

The graph below shows the number of children identified as potentially eligible for the 2 year old entitlement in North Tyneside, as identified by the DWP. 

Number of potentially eligible 2 year olds in North Tyneside as identified by DWP (March 2014-August 2024)

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The graph shows a steady decline from a high point in 2015 to the current levels, which are 41% lower. This is consistent with national and regional trends.  This may partly reflect demographic decline in the borough.  However, the greatest factor is that the income thresholds for the Universal Credit eligibility criteria have not changed since the entitlement’s launch.  Resulting in fewer families qualify for the entitlement, following wage inflation. 

2 Year Old Entitlement Uptake – Percentage (Jan 2024 census)

The table and graph below show the percentage uptake of the 2 year old entitlement between 2019 and 2024. The figures are based on the annual censuses in January. 

The percentage of eligible 2 year olds accessing their funded childcare entitlement decreased between 2023 and 2024, from 86% to 82%.  North Tyneside maintains a high percentage take up, which exceeds the national average. Fewer people are taking up the entitlement, but the percentage take up remains high, demonstrating that the majority of eligible children can access the entitlement.

North Tyneside - 2 Year Old Actual Number

The table below shows the actual number of children accessing their 2 year old entitlement broken down by the eligibility criteria through which they applied for the funding. 

The overwhelming majority of eligible 2 year olds continue to access their 2 year old entitlement under the economic criteria.

Number and Percentage of Children Accessing their 2 Year Old Entitlements by Ofsted Grade of Provider (2024 Census) 

Access to high quality childcare places is important, particularly during the critical early years of a child’s life.  The table below shows the breakdown of children attending 2 year old entitlement places by the Ofsted rating of the provider.       

Almost all children accessing their entitlement in a North Tyneside setting are experiencing provision rated ‘outstanding’ or ‘good’ by Ofsted.  The proportion accessing their entitlement in an ‘outstanding’ setting has increased since 2023.