Working parents urged not to miss out on expanding Government support.
Helping working parents meet their childcare costs is the aim for a new, expanding package of support.
All families with children aged three and above are currently entitled to 15 hours of government-funded childcare and education per week.
Parents who work more than 16 hours a week and earn less than £100,000 are entitled to 30 hours per week for children aged three to four.
In addition, families who have 2-year-old children and are on certain benefits can get 15 hours a week. From April 2024, the government is expanding its current scheme to support working parents with children under the age of three.
The government is set to increase this support in phases during 2024 and 2025:
- From April 2024, working parents of 2-year-olds will be able to access 15 hours of childcare per week
- From September 2024, working parents of 9-month-olds will be able to access 15 hours of childcare per week
- From September 2025, working parents of children from 9 months until school age will be entitled to 30 hours of childcare per week
Cllr Patricia Bradwell OBE, executive member for children’s services, said: “We know that childcare costs can put real pressure on household finances, and we’re sure families will welcome this additional support.
“This will help parents return to the workforce and pursue their career aspirations. However, it’s vital families apply for the support available to them and remember to renew their eligibility every three months to avoid missing out.”
Funded childcare hours can be used for 38 weeks of the year – the equivalent of school term time. Alternatively, families may stretch their hours to include some of the school holidays by using fewer hours each week during term time.
These government offers for working parents will be available from the term after the child reaches the age of entitlement, with a valid eligibility code.
Parents and carers are advised to check with your childcare provider to find out how they deliver funded childcare. Please note that providers may ask for charges in addition to the funded childcare. You may also be able to use tax-free Childcare or Universal Credit to support you with any costs.
For eligibility criteria and further details on how to apply, visit www.childcarechoices.gov.uk.
For more information, contact the council’s Early Years Entitlements team by emailing EYE@lincolnshire.gov.uk