Free Childcare Expansion Begins in England

Starting September 1, millions of eligible parents in England can access 15 hours of free childcare per week for children aged nine months to two years, as part of an expansion to the government childcare scheme. To qualify, parents must be employed or receiving specific benefits, with varying income thresholds based on age. While the application window for this phase closed on August 31, parents can apply for the next round starting January 1, 2025. The government aims to address significant challenges in delivering this plan, including an urgent need for more childcare providers and staff. Additionally, an expansion to 30 hours of free childcare will occur in September 2025, with commitments from Labour to utilize underused classrooms for new nursery spaces. However, some providers are facing financial strains, leading to potential additional charges for parents, raising concerns about the true accessibility of these services.