The Government has delivered on its commitment to fund 30 hours of childcare per week – saving parents £7,500 a year per child and putting more money back into their pockets.
Take-up is expected to exceed initial projections, with over half a million children on track to be better prepared for school by age five, ensuring every child receives the best possible start in life.
This initiative also provides a boost to economic growth. New government polling shows that nearly a third (29%) of parents say the support will allow them to increase their working hours.
The wider economic benefits will support businesses in retaining skilled staff and expanding the available talent pool, boosting productivity and raising living standards – two key elements of the Government’s plan to grow the economy.
Welcomed by business leaders such as the British Chambers of Commerce, this is an investment in the next generation, removing barriers to opportunity so that every child, regardless of background, can start school ready to succeed, pursue high-quality careers, and contribute to the nation’s future prosperity.
For grandparents who provide childcare support during the working week, this expansion offers the chance to step back from daily duties and enjoy quality time with their grandchildren, while parents return to work with confidence.
Polling indicates that over nine in ten families have secured one of their top three preferred childcare providers, supported by Government investment in the sector to meet rising demand, with total funding set to rise to £9 billion next year.
To help families further, parents can now access the all-new Best Start in Life website, providing support beyond the nursery door, with everything needed to give children the best start in their early years and beyond.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:
- Launching 30 hours of free childcare is a promise made and a promise delivered. It is a landmark moment for working families across the country and a clear sign that our Plan for Change is more than words – it is action.
- We promised to put money back into working parents’ pockets and give children the best start in life, and today we are delivering.
- We will not stop here. With the launch of beststartinlife.gov.uk, we are providing families with tools, advice and confidence to raise happy, healthy children – wherever they are born and whatever their background.
The Best Start in Life website brings together trusted information, guidance and support in one place, allowing parents to check their eligibility for childcare support, find local family services, sign up for tailored weekly updates, and access advice from pregnancy through to preparing a child for school.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:
- Today demonstrates what real change looks like – parents with money back in their pockets, children receiving the best start in life, and a significant boost to the British economy.
- It has not been easy, but through our Plan for Change, we have delivered.
- This is just the beginning. My vision for early years education is for every family to access high-quality provision without strings or unfair charges. Over the coming years, that is my commitment to parents.
- More time in formal early years education leads to children being better prepared for school, improving life chances and strengthening social cohesion. The Government is determined to go further and faster, ensuring high-quality childcare is a right, not a privilege.
A recent Coram survey shows the reforms are already making a real difference, with costs for families accessing 15 hours of childcare more than halved. With the Government supporting the High Court ruling that 30 hours must be free from mandatory additional charges, parental experiences are set to continue improving.
Victoria, from Gloucester, credits the 30 hours with allowing her to balance her role as a single mother and full-time headteacher:
The impact of Government-funded hours on women is huge.
I work five days a week without any family support. The funded hours will save me around £600 a month and allow me to continue my career. Without them, I would likely have to reduce my working hours. This rollout is a significant step forward for women’s rights and workplace participation.
In the months ahead, the Best Start in Life website will expand with new guidance and content, becoming a central resource for families navigating early years education and ensuring children are ready for school.
Helen Donohoe, Head of Coram PACEY, commented:
- We welcome the Government’s expansion of the funded early years offer, which from September will enable more working families to access high-quality early education and childcare for children from nine months up to school age.
- Childminders, in particular, offer a flexible and nurturing “home-from-home” environment, supporting children’s early learning, wellbeing and development. They also provide vital care, advice and support to families when needed most.
- This expansion is a positive step towards giving every child the best start in life, improving access and affordability, and creating opportunities for early years providers to grow and strengthen their role in the community.
Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:
- The continued rollout of free childcare in England is a welcome development for businesses, employees and the wider economy.
- Our research shows that many people have missed career opportunities due to the difficulty of finding affordable, quality childcare. Some have even left their jobs because of the pressures of balancing work and family life.
- Removing barriers to employment is essential for driving economic growth. Ensuring parents can access childcare where and when they need it will help businesses recruit and retain skilled staff, which is vital for thriving companies.