Parents are being reminded to submit their applications for free childcare within the next three days to avoid missing out on potential support amounting to £7,500 annually. Currently, working parents of nine-month-old children are eligible for 15 hours of free childcare per week, with this allowance set to increase to 30 hours weekly starting in September. To secure this assistance, parents must apply promptly.
To qualify for free childcare for children aged between nine months and two years, parents must be employed and earning at least the national minimum wage for 16 hours per week on average, with an annual income below £100,000. This benefit extends to both parents in a couple. Additionally, all parents of three- and four-year-old children are entitled to 15 hours of free childcare weekly, irrespective of their employment status.
Parents meeting the specified earnings criteria can claim the full 30 hours of free childcare for their children of eligible ages. Typically, free childcare is spread across 38 weeks to cover term time, although parents can utilize fewer hours per week. The free hours must be utilized with a registered childcare provider, including private nurseries or state-run pre-schools.
It is important to note that the aforementioned rules apply in England, with distinct childcare systems in place in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Registration for free childcare must be done through the GOV.UK platform.
Furthermore, a £600 million investment is being made to extend the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) program for an additional three years. This program aids children from low-income families by offering free meals and engaging activities during school holidays, resulting in potential annual savings of over £300 for parents.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasized the government’s commitment to providing hundreds of thousands of children with 30 hours of government-funded early education, stating that the initiative aims to support families financially, facilitate parents’ return to work, and alleviate the burden on grandparents who often assist. Eligible parents are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity.
