How can working parents get 15 and 30 hours of free childcare?
Summary
Working parents in England can apply for up to 30 hours of free childcare a week for children from nine months old, starting in September. The program aims to help more parents return to work, but there are concerns about whether there will be enough staff and places to meet the increased demand.Key Facts
- The free childcare initiative applies to children from nine months old, starting in September.
- All three and four-year-olds in England already get 15 hours of free childcare, regardless of their parents' work situation.
- To qualify for the 30 hours, parents must earn more than £9,518 but less than £100,000 a year.
- Parents can apply for 15 hours of free childcare when their child is 23 weeks old.
- Free childcare hours are typically available during school terms, but some providers spread them over the entire year.
- Extra costs like meals and nappies may not be covered by the free hours, leading some parents to face additional fees.
- The Department for Education estimates that an additional 35,000 staff and 70,000 places will be needed by 2025.
- Recent research shows that some areas, known as "childcare deserts," have fewer childcare options and higher poverty levels.
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