From today, parents across the country are getting a huge helping hand. The government has fulfilled its promise to provide 30 hours of funded childcare each week, saving families around

£7,500 a year per child. That’s money back in parents’ pockets and extra support to give every child the best start in life.

Already, more than half a million children are set to benefit—arriving at school more confident, more prepared, and ready to thrive by age five.

But the impact doesn’t stop with families. Almost a third of parents (29%) say these free hours will let them increase their working hours. That means more parents in the workplace, stronger businesses, and a boost for the wider economy. The British Chambers of Commerce and other business leaders have welcomed the move, calling it an investment not only in children, but in Britain’s future.

Grandparents, too, are feeling the difference. With parents now able to access funded childcare, many grandparents who previously helped with daily care can enjoy more relaxed, quality time with their grandchildren.

And parents are finding the childcare they want—9 in 10 families have secured one of their top three preferred providers. The government has committed £9 billion next year** to make sure nurseries and childcare providers can keep up with demand.

Alongside the childcare rollout, the government is launching a brand-new resource: the Best Start in Life website (beststartinlife.gov.uk). This one-stop hub will help families find out what childcare support they’re eligible for, discover local services, sign up for weekly tips, and access trusted advice—from pregnancy all the way to preparing for school.

What leaders are saying

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: 

“Launching 30 hours of free childcare is a promise made and a promise delivered. It’s a landmark moment for working families across the country, and a clear sign that our Plan for Change is not just words - it’s action. 

We said we’d put money back in working parents’ pockets and give children the best start in life, and today we’re doing just that. 

And we’re not stopping here. With the launch of beststartinlife.gov.uk, we’re giving families the tools, advice and confidence they need to raise happy, healthy children - wherever they’re born and whatever their background”.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:  

“Today shows what change looks like – mums, dads and carers with pounds back in their pockets, children getting the best start in life, and the British economy given a huge boost. 

It was never going to be easy, but against all odds we’ve delivered through our Plan for Change. 

And this is just the beginning. My vision for early years goes beyond this milestone. I want access to high-quality early years for every single family that needs it, without strings and without unfair charges.  

Over the next few years, that is my commitment to parents”.

Real families, real impact

For parents, these changes are already making a difference.

Victoria, a single mum and full-time headteacher from Gloucester, said:

“The government-funded hours will save me about £600 a month and mean I can keep working full-time. Without them, I’d probably have to cut my hours. This isn’t just childcare—it’s a lifeline for working mums like me.”

Looking ahead

The Best Start in Life website will continue to expand, offering even more guidance and tools to help families through the early years and beyond. With better access to childcare, children will be school-ready, parents can pursue their careers, and families everywhere will feel the benefits.

Helen Donohoe, Head of Coram PACEY comments:  

“We welcome the Government’s expansion of the funded early years offer, which from September will enable more working families to access high-quality early education and childcare for children from nine months right up until school.  

Childminders, in particular, are a fantastic choice for our youngest children and babies, providing a flexible and nurturing “home from home” environment that supports children’s early learning, wellbeing and development. That early support goes beyond education - childminders often become a lifeline offering care, advice and support to families when it’s needed most.  

This expansion is a positive step towards giving every child the best start in life and improving access and affordability for families, while creating opportunities for early years providers to grow and strengthen their role in the community”.

Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: 

“The further rollout of free childcare in England is a welcome development for businesses, employees and the wider economy.   

Our research shows too many people feel they have missed out on career progression because of the difficulty in finding affordable quality childcare. Others have quit their jobs, because of the pressures of juggling family and work life.    

Removing barriers to employment is a crucial ingredient to help businesses drive forward economic growth.    

Ensuring parents can access childcare where and when they need it, will help firms recruit and retain skilled employees, who are at the heart of thriving businesses”. Photo by Lucélia Ribeiro, Wikimedia commons.