Half a million children benefit
More than 500,000 children are set to benefit from the government’s flagship expansion of funded childcare, with parents now entitled to 30 hours a week of free provision.
Ministers say the scheme, delivered from 1 September, will save families up to £7,500 a year per child while helping to prepare more children for school.
Polling shows demand has exceeded initial projections, with over nine in ten families securing one of their top three preferred providers. The Department for Education confirmed funding for the sector will rise to £9bn next year to ensure places keep pace with uptake.
Boost for families and economy
The government says the policy will not only ease costs for parents but also drive economic growth. Almost a third of parents polled said the support would allow them to increase their working hours. Business groups, including the British Chambers of Commerce, welcomed the move, stressing that improved childcare access helps firms retain skilled staff.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed the rollout as “a promise made and a promise delivered,” describing it as a landmark moment for working families. 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.”
New digital support launched
Alongside the funding expansion, ministers launched the Best Start in Life website, offering families guidance on childcare eligibility, local services and early years advice. The site will continue to expand with tailored resources for parents.
Charities and early years experts praised the move. Helen Donohoe of Coram PACEY said the expansion would “enable more working families to access high-quality early education and childcare for children from nine months right up until school,” while creating new opportunities for providers.
For parents like Victoria, a single mother and headteacher from Gloucester, the impact is immediate. She said the funded hours would save her around £600 a month and allow her to continue working full-time.
