Guy Opperman MP has welcomed the start of the expansion of the Government's free childcare scheme. From this week, eligible parents of two-year olds will start to receive 15 hours of free childcare per week.
Previously under the scheme, only eligible working parents of three and four year olds received 30 hours of free childcare per week. It is expected that 150,000 children are set to secure government-funded childcare places as part of the expansion this week.
When the scheme is fully rolled out in September 2025, working families will be able to access 30 hours of free childcare from the end of maternity leave to when their child starts school, saving parents an average of £6900 per year.
To support the childcare sector deliver on this offer, the Government has increased the number of staff and places, introducing measures to boost the recruitment and retention of childminders, as well as providing over £400 million of additional investment to uplift funding rates in 2024-25. In addition to this, the Chancellor recently announced the Government will increase rates by £500 million over the next two years.
Guy Opperman, MP for Hexham said:
'I know that many families across Tynedale and Ponteland struggle with the costs of childcare. I have a toddler myself, and arranging daily childcare is incredibly expensive.
'This expansion of the Government's childcare offer is the biggest ever seen and it is specifically targeted at hardworking families who need a helping hand with the costs of childcare. This will be a relief to many people who, thanks to this support, can see their children learn and flourish in a safe and stimulating early years setting.
'England has some of the finest childcare provision in the world, with 96% of early years settings rated by Ofsted as Good or Outstanding. This extension of Government support means that even more young people in Northumberland can have the very best start in life.'