(1)A local authority must secure that childcare of a prescribed description is available free of charge for such periods as may be prescribed for each child of a prescribed description in its area who—
(a)has attained such age as may be prescribed, but
(b)is under compulsory school age.
(2)This duty is subject to the provisions of regulations made under section 10(1)(c).
(3)In this section “childcare” means—
(a)child minding or day care within the meaning of Part 2 in respect of which the provider is required to be registered under that Part, or
(b)care provided by a person of a description approved in accordance with a scheme made by the Welsh Ministers under section 12(5) of the Tax Credits Act 2002 (c. 21).