Working parents of 9-month-olds in England can now apply for government-funded childcare, marking a significant step in the country's largest-ever childcare expansion.
Starting from Sunday, May 12, eligible parents of children who will reach 9 months by August 31 can apply for 15 hours of funded childcare per week. This initiative is expected to benefit hundreds of thousands of families nationwide, furthering the government's commitment to supporting working parents in balancing family and career responsibilities.
This expansion follows the successful launch of the program in April, which has already seen over 210,000 two-year-olds benefit from government-funded places. These initiatives aim to provide financial assistance to parents, enabling them to return to work or increase their working hours while promoting economic growth through accessible and affordable childcare.
Applying for government-funded childcare involves obtaining a childcare code via the childcare service, which parents then present to their chosen childcare provider for validation. This support will continue until the child starts school, with plans to increase support to 30 government-funded hours per week by September 2025, resulting in average annual savings of £6,900 for families.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasized the government's commitment to delivering the largest-ever childcare provision, providing much-needed financial relief to families. Education Secretary Gillian Keegan commended the successful expansion of free childcare to two-year-olds, with every local authority now confidently delivering the rollout.
Parents planning to return to work by the end of September 2024 or commencing a new job can apply for their childcare code 16 weeks before their return date, extending from the previous 31-day period. The application process, conducted online via the Childcare Service, ensures timely issuance of codes well in advance of provider deadlines.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury Laura Trott highlighted the government's significant funding to provide high-quality childcare, recognizing the importance of ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive while supporting the economy.
Local authorities are equipped to meet the demand for childcare places, with a minimal increase of 1% - 15,000 places - expected for September. The government's collaboration with local authorities, backed by capital investment and delivery support, ensures the successful rollout of the program.
Parents are encouraged to confirm their eligibility every three months, with new applicants required to reconfirm their codes before the September rollout. Those encountering difficulties in securing a place are advised to contact their local authority for assistance.
In conclusion, the government's childcare expansion represents a crucial lifeline for families, offering much-needed support for working parents while ensuring every child has access to quality childcare.
Parents can check their eligibility before applying at gov.uk or through our online eligibility checker tool at childcarechoices.gov.uk.