WARRINGTON South MP Sarah Hall is urging families to apply for funded childcare hours before the start of the new school term, with local parents able to save up to £7,500 a year under Labour’s new cost of living package.
From September, the Government will cover 30 hours of childcare a week for children aged nine months to school age. The move will help parents back into work, cut reliance on grandparents for childcare, and make sure more children are “school ready” when they start reception.
Alongside this, the Government is investing £600 million into the Best Start Holiday Activities and Food programme, guaranteeing another three years of free meals and activities for children on free school meals. The scheme already reaches more than half a million children nationally, while giving children fun, healthy activities during the school holidays.
The new entitlement forms part of Labour’s Plan for Change, designed to tackle the cost of living crisis, expand opportunity, and make sure every child arrives at school ready to learn.
Parents have just a few days left to apply for the September start. Families who miss the deadline could lose out on savings worth up to £7,500 a year, as well as the chance to secure a funded nursery place for their child. Full details on eligibility and how to apply are available at www.gov.uk/get-childcare
Ms Hal said:“Holiday clubs are a lifeline for many families, children get a safe place to play, and parents get the peace of mind that they’re supported. That’s why Labour’s decision to put £600 million into the programme for the next three years is so important.
“But families also need help all year round, not just in the school holidays. From next week, parents of children as young as nine months will be able to access 30 hours of funded childcare. For families in Warrington, that could mean savings of up to £7,500 a year, money that can go back into everyday family life.
“The deadline to apply is just days away. I don’t want any local parent to miss out on this potential chance to save thousands and give their child the best possible start in life.
“Full details on eligibility and how to apply are available at: www.gov.uk/get-childcare
