Apply now for 30 hours childcare funding

Want to keep that summer feeling after your holiday? Try our delicious Mediterranean-inspired recipe. Caponata is a Sicilian dish consisting of chopped fried aubergine and other vegetables, seasoned with olive oil, tomato sauce, celery, olives, and capers. Delicious served hot or cold, it is the ideal dish for making ahead.

Method

1. Heat the oven to 200C / 180C fan / gas mark 6. Place the aubergine pieces on 2 large baking trays. Drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil and season. Bake for 20 minutes until just turning golden.

2. Meanwhile, make the tomato sauce. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pan (large enough to also hold the aubergine). Add the anchovy and garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add the passata and season, then simmer for 10 minutes to thicken the sauce.

3. Heat the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a frying pan and sauté the onion, pepper and celery for 5 minutes to soften. Tip the onion mixture into the tomato sauce with the remaining ingredients and the aubergine. Cook uncovered for 5 minutes.

4. Serve hot or cold.

Nutrition per serving: 336kcal, fat 23g (of which saturates 2.9g), carbohydrates 25g (of which sugars 21g), protein 5.4g

WORKING PARENTS and carers are encouraged to apply now for free 30 hours childcare funding for the autumn term.

Eligible parents of three and fouryear-olds across Leicestershire are reminded they need to confirm their details every term to ensure they still receive their entitlement.

Cllr Deborah Taylor, cabinet member for children and families, said: “We want to encourage as many parents and carers across Leicestershire to claim childcare they are entitled to.

“The increased cost of living has caused additional hardship for some, and we urge families to use all available resources to their advantage.

“Attending childcare has many benefits, including supporting early learning and helping children develop their social skills ready for school.”

All three-year-olds are entitled to 15 hours free funding, but some working parents can claim 30 hours. Find out more and see the eligibility criteria visit: https:// www.gov.uk/30-hours-freechildcare