Free Childcare Expansion Faces Implementation Challenges

Government aims to provide 15 hours of free childcare for nine-month-olds, with plans to extend to 30 hours by 2025, amid concerns over funding and capacity.

• Parents may need to provide packed lunches as nurseries struggle with funding shortfalls.
• 85,000 additional childcare places and 40,000 extra staff are required to meet demand.
• Nurseries are charging for extras like nappies and outings to cover costs.
• Education Secretary acknowledges significant delivery challenges but pledges full commitment.
• Some areas require double or triple the increase in childcare hours to meet new targets.

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