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<p>Family and Childcare Trust figures show that in real terms over the past year,
in England, the cost of nurseries fell by 2%, the cost of after-school clubs fell
by 5% and the cost of a child-minder's after-school pickup fell substantially by 13%.
However, the Government is not complacent, and we are taking steps to further increase
childcare supply:</p><ol><li>More schools are opening their own nurseries for the
first time, and we are establishing child-minder agencies to increase the number of
child-minders available.</li><li>An increasing number of existing school nurseries
are extending opening times, from 8.00am to 6.00pm.</li><li>We are also making it
easier for good nurseries to grow, by removing red tape and planning restrictions.</li></ol><p>The
latest figures show there are around 100,000 more childcare places than in 2009. We
have also introduced a requirement in statutory guidance for local authorities to
publish an annual report to parents and elected members on childcare provision in
their area.</p><p>To help disadvantaged families, the Government has extended the
15 hours per week of funded early education already available for all three and four
year-olds to include the most disadvantaged 20% of two year-olds. This will be extended
further to 40% from September 2014.</p><p>All families in Universal Credit will be
able to receive up to 85% support towards their childcare costs, up from 70% in the
current tax credit system. This change will see 300,000 working families getting more
out of the money they earn.</p><p>The Government recently announced that the new Tax-Free
Childcare scheme will be increased up to £2,000 per child and extended to all children
under 12 within the first year.In addition to giving support to the self-employed,
the scheme has been adjusted to ensure that those working part-time, earning £50 per
week and above; those on maternity, paternity or adoption leave; and those starting
their own business who may not meet the minimum earning requirement will be included,
giving them help with childcare costs for the first time.</p><p>Furthermore, the new
Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP) will provide nurseries, schools and other providers
of funded early years education with extra money for disadvantaged three and four
year-olds, improving access to high quality childcare. The EYPP will be £50 million
in 2015-16. We will consult on the details of the programme shortly.</p>
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