UK Government Details Plan to Extend Free Childcare Scheme

The phased expansion, starting April 2024, could enable 60,000 more parents to enter the workforce, but concerns over funding and demand persist.

The UK government has announced more details about its plan to extend the current scheme offering some families 30 free hours of childcare per week to cover younger children. The changes will be phased in for households in England where the parent or parents earn at least £152 a week, but less than £100,000 a year.
From April 2024, eligible two-year-olds will get 15 hours of free childcare per week. From September 2024, eligible children between nine months and two years will get 15 hours. From September 2025, eligible children between nine months and three years will get 30 hours.
Applications will open 2 January for the first phase. The move could allow 60,000 more parents of young children to enter the workforce, according to the government's independent forecaster, the Office of Budget Responsibility (OBR).
In November 2023, the government said it will invest £400m in the expansion. The hourly rate paid to childcare providers for free care will also increase.
Concerns remain that funding levels do not match demand for places. BBC analysis estimates that demand for childcare places is likely to rise by about 15% by the time the expansion is in place. This is equivalent to more than 100,000 additional children requiring full-time care.