Education Secretary announces £100million for nursery places
The Education Secretary, Gillian Keegan, has announced a £100 million funding package for councils to increase nursery places. This comes ahead of the expansion of free childcare support. The aim is to provide a solution to the difficult choice many parents face between having a career and having children.
New tool launched to help parents access maximum support
In addition to the funding, Gillian Keegan is launching an online tool to help parents access the maximum support available to them. This tool will provide information and guidance on childcare options and financial assistance.
30 hours of free care for children aged 9 months to 3 years
Last Spring's Budget outlined plans to offer 30 hours per week of free care for children aged nine months up to three years by September 2025. Gillian Keegan emphasized that no parent should have to choose between having a career or a family and that it is crucial to support working parents.
No shortage of childminders, says Education Secretary
Gillian Keegan dismissed concerns about a potential shortage of childminders to cope with the increase in support planned by the government. The funding package includes provisions for 15 hours of free childcare for two-year-olds from April 2024, extending to nine-month-olds by the following September.
Wraparound care funding for primary school children
Town halls will also receive £289 million funding to provide wraparound care for primary school children from 8am to 6pm. This additional support aims to alleviate the burden of childcare costs for parents.
Labour's Helen Hayes expressed skepticism about the funding pledge, calling for more details about the allocation of funds and the staffing of new childcare facilities.
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