The largest-ever expansion of childcare funding support is entering its final phase, with thousands of working parents receiving more help with the cost of nursery. Those eligible can now access 30 hours of childcare every week during term-time, funded by the government, for any child between nine months and four years of age.
The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, welcomed the “landmark moment” for working families, adding that this will “put money back in working parents’ pockets.” But parents say that they are still facing long waiting lists for placements. Nurseries are warning that staff shortages are limiting their availability.
An estimated 70,000 extra places would be needed, according to the government to accommodate the increasing demand.
The sector, early education minister Stephen Morgan told BBC Breakfast, has “really stepped up” to deliver the scheme. But workforce issues and the availability of childcare placements have presented a challenge. The expansion of the scheme, he said, would be “easing real pressure on parents across our country.”
The number of spaces has increased but availability is different for different parts of the country. Nurseries and childminders say that inquiries for placements have “gone through the roof,” among the families eligible for the additional childcare funding.
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