The Government’s new childcare scheme means more hours of free childcare
To see if you’re eligible visit the government’s childcare calculator
From September 2025, we’ll finally see the full rollout of the Government’s childcare changes across England. It could mean big savings for families, and a bit of blessed relief for parents who have to work on top of looking after the kids.
The Government describes the changes as one of the biggest expansions of childcare support in history.
Under the new system
If we work at least 16 hours a week, we’ll be able to claim 30 hours of funded childcare for our children from nine months old right up until they start school at four. For many of us, this could cut thousands of pounds a year from one of our biggest household costs.
It’s not just working parents who will benefit in England. From the same date, every three- and four-year-old in England will qualify for at least 15 free hours. It doesn’t matter whether we’re in work or not.
Families on low incomes with two-year-olds, or children with additional needs, will also get 15 hours a week, making early years education more widely available.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
In Scotland all three and four-year-olds and some two-year-olds already get up to 30 hours a week of funded childcare. This applies to during term time (or 22 hours a week if used across the year), regardless of their parents’ working status.
In Wales, eligible parents can get 30 hours of childcare for three and four-year-olds, and the government there says it is expanding support for two-year-olds. Click to read more about the expansion of ‘Flying Start’ childcare.
The Northern Ireland, Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS) provides a 15% discount on childcare to qualifying working parents with pre-school-age children. The scheme will be extended to include primary school-age children from September.
Making a difference
Juggling kids and work can be a nightmare. Many families currently spend more on nursery fees than on rent or mortgage payments! With prices going up everywhere, extra support with childcare could give us some much-needed breathing space.
If we’re on Universal Credit and in work, we’ll also continue to get support to meet the cost of childcare. That means lower-income households will still be included in the new model, helping more of us stay in work while our children are cared for.
Campaigners have long said childcare in Britain is among the most expensive in the world. Many parents have had to reduce hours, leave jobs, or rely heavily on family just to cope. The new system is meant to change that, making sure none of us have to choose between a career and raising a family.
Getting ready
Nurseries and childminders are already preparing for the rise in demand. While there are concerns about staffing, ministers say extra funding will be provided to help the sector manage.
The key for all of us is to check what we’re entitled to. Whether we’re working full-time, part-time, or claiming Universal Credit, most families will be able to get more help than before.
Image Shutterstock/PeopleImages.com, Yuri A
