| answer text |
<p>The department recognises that families and early years providers across the country
are facing financial pressures. This is why we have spent more than £20 billion over
the past five years to support families with the cost of childcare. We are currently
looking into options to improve the cost, flexibility, and availability of childcare.</p><p>In
July 2022, the department announced measures to increase take-up of childcare support
to ensure that families can access government support on their childcare bills. This
included our Childcare Choices communications campaign to ensure every parent knows
about the government funded support they are eligible for. The launch of this campaign
has had a positive impact, leading to an increase in referrals for Universal Credit,
Tax-Free Childcare, and 30 hours entitlements.</p><p>In the 2023 Spring Budget, my
right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced that the department will
provide over £4.1 billion by 2027/28 to fund 30 hours of free childcare per week,
over 38 weeks per year, for working parents with children aged nine months to three
years in England.</p><p>From April 2024, working parents of two-year-olds can access
15 hours of free childcare per week, over 38 weeks a year. From September 2024, this
will be extended to parents of nine month to three-year-olds, and from September 2025,
working parents of nine month to three-year-olds will be able to access 30 free hours
per week, over 38 weeks a year.</p><p>The department also announced that we will invest
£204 million in 2023/24 to uplift the rates for existing entitlements, rising to £288
million in 2024/25, with further uplifts beyond this.</p><p>We are continuing to take
action to maintain choice and availability for parents by attracting more people to
childminding, through a start-up grant fund of up to £7.2 million over the next two
years.</p><p> </p>
|
|
