By Lucy Caulkett-
Thousands of families across the UK are set to benefit from the first phase of the government’s largest-ever expansion of childcare support, as working parents of two-year-olds gain access to 15 hours a week of government-funded childcare starting from April 1st.
This groundbreaking initiative, part of the government’s broader plan to assist families, aims to alleviate the financial burden on parents and empower them to balance their professional careers with the demands of parenthood.
With over 150,000 children expected to secure government-funded places this week, the rollout marks a significant milestone in the government’s commitment to enhancing childcare accessibility and affordability.
By September 2025, the full rollout of the initiative will be completed, enabling working parents to access 30 hours of government-funded childcare from the end of maternity leave until their child starts school.
This substantial expansion is projected to save parents an average of £6,900 per year, providing much-needed relief to families facing escalating childcare costs.
In order to facilitate this ambitious expansion, the government has taken proactive measures to bolster the childcare sector, including increasing staffing levels and capacity, implementing initiatives to attract and retain childminders, launching a national recruitment campaign, and injecting over £400 million of additional funding into the sector for 2024-25.
Furthermore, Chancellor Rishi Sunak confirmed at the Spring Budget that funding rates will continue to rise over the next two years, with an estimated increase of £500 million.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed his commitment to supporting working families, emphasizing the importance of providing peace of mind and financial stability to parents.
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan echoed these sentiments, describing the expansion as a “landmark moment” that will serve as a lifeline for working parents and contribute to economic growth.
The initiative has garnered widespread support from businesses and industry leaders, who recognize the positive impact of expanded childcare provision on workforce participation and economic productivity. Jane Gratton, Deputy Director Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, highlighted the benefits for employers, noting that improved access to childcare facilitates talent retention and promotes workforce diversity.
However, parents are encouraged to check their eligibility for the September phase of the rollout and secure their places early through the government’s childcare choices website.
With the expansion of childcare provision set to transform the lives of thousands of families, the government’s commitment to supporting working parents represents a significant step towards building a more inclusive and prosperous society.