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<p>This government is committed to helping working families with accessible, affordable
childcare and offers a broad range of childcare support. The government has no plans
to extend the package of free childcare entitlement schemes<strong>. </strong></p><p>Supporting
parents who want to work, with the cost of childcare, is important. That is why the
government already offers a package of schemes: all 3 and 4–year-olds and the most
disadvantaged 2-year-olds can access 15 hours a week of early education. From September
2017, this government doubled the childcare entitlement for working parents of 3 and
4-year-olds to 30 hours a week - saving parents up to £5,000 per year in total if
they use the full 30 hours of free childcare available. 30 hours free childcare helps
a wide range of families, for example, a lone parent only has to earn from just under
£7,000 a year to be able to access 30 hours of free childcare and a couple from just
under £14,000.</p><p>Tackling social inequality is not just about 30 hours free childcare.
The government is committed to supporting disadvantaged children, for example, through
the 2-year-old entitlement, the early years pupil premium and the actions announced
in ‘Unlocking Talent, Fulfilling Potential’. We will continue to track the outcomes
of disadvantaged children, where the gap continues to close. Tax-Free Childcare provides
additional financial help from government to help with any additional costs. Eligible
parents can also claim up to 85% of their childcare costs through universal credit.</p>
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