EXPLANATORY NOTE
(This note is not part of the Order)
This is the fifth Commencement Order made under the Childcare Act 2006 (“the Act”). The first three Commencement Orders brought provisions of the Act into force in relation to England. The fourth Commencement Order brought provisions of the Act into force in relation to Wales.
Article 2 brings provisions in Part 1 (general functions of local authority: England) of the Act into force on 1st April 2008.
Article 2(a) commences sections 1 (general duties of local authority in relation to well-being of young children) and 12 (duty to provide information, advice and assistance) in so far as they are not already in force.
Article 2(b) commences sections 2 (meaning of “early childhood services” for purposes of section 3), 3 (specific duties of local authority in relation to early childhood services), 4 (duty of local authority and relevant partners to work together) and 6 (duty to secure sufficient childcare for working parents).
Article 2(c) commences section 7 (duty to secure prescribed early years provision free of charge) for the purposes of making regulations.