Mon, 02 Jun 2025

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 How can working parents get 15 and 30 hours of free childcare?

Childcare support for working parents varies across the UK, depending on the child's age.

* Eligible working parents in England with children from nine months old can now apply for 30 hours of free childcare a week from September.
* The scheme aims to get more parents back to work, but there are concerns about the number of staff and places needed.
* Free childcare arrangements vary across the UK, with Wales being the most expensive place for under-twos at £15,038 per year.
* Working parents must earn between £9,518 and £100,000 per year to qualify for 30 hours of free childcare.
* Those on certain benefits may also be eligible for 30 hours of free childcare.
* Parents can apply for 15 hours of childcare from age 23 weeks and for 30 hours once their child is two years and 36 weeks old.
* Free childcare hours are designed to be used over 38 weeks of the year, but some providers will stretch them over 52 weeks if parents use fewer hours per week.
* Some providers charge top-up fees for extras like meals, nappies, sun cream or trips, which can make it difficult for families to access free childcare.
* The government has announced an additional 35,000 staff and 70,000 places will be required to meet demand by September 2025.
* There are concerns that the current funding rates will not offset rising costs, with some nurseries likely to withdraw from the scheme within the next 12 months.
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