http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/21/section/7/madeChildcare Act 2006Nursery schoolsChildmindingKing's Printer of Acts of Parliament2021-08-04Childcare Act 2006s. 113A(1)Welfare Reform Act 2012Sch. 14 Pt. 1s. 150(3)Childcare Act 2006s. 113A(3)Welfare Reform Act 2012Sch. 14 Pt. 1s. 150(3)Childcare Act 2006s. 45A(4C)Childcare Act 2016s. 3(2)(a)s. 7(2)reg. 2(c)Childcare Act 2006s. 47ZA(3)(a)Childcare Act 2016s. 3(2)(b)s. 7(2)reg. 2(c)Part 1General functions of local authority: EnglandProvision of childcare
7Duty to secure prescribed early years provision free of charge(1)

An English local authority must secure that early years provision of a prescribed description is available free of charge for such periods as may be prescribed for each young child in their area who—

(a)

has attained such age as may be prescribed, but

(b)

is under compulsory school age.

(2)

In discharging their duty under subsection (1), a local authority must have regard to any guidance given from time to time by the Secretary of State.