From April childcare support is expanding under a government scheme which will see eligible working families entitled to 15 hours a week of early years provision.
Currently, parents of children aged three and four who work more than 16 hours a week and earn less than £100,000 are entitled to 30 hours a week of childcare support.
The expanded scheme means that eventually working parents with children over the age of nine months will be entitled to 30 hours a week of childcare support.
The scheme is being phased in gradually:
Depending on your childcare provider, these hours can be used over 38 weeks of the year or up to 52 weeks if you use fewer than your total weekly hours.
You can find out whether you are eligible under the new scheme and apply now at Childcare Choices.
Parents of disadvantaged 2 year olds continue to be eligible for 15 hours a week of free early learning, and should apply through our online free early learning for 2 year olds application form.
A recent projection from the Department for Education indicated sufficient early years provision across Brighton & Hove to meet parents’ eligibility for the expanded offer.
Joint chair of the Children, Families and Schools Committee, Lucy Helliwell, said:
“Childcare is one of the most significant expenses facing working families, and so we welcome the increase in the number of hours they can receive in childcare support from April 2024.
“Doubling the support available will make childcare more accessible, not only helping parents with the current cost of living crisis but also helping anyone looking to get back into work or increase their hours.
“We’d encourage everyone eligible for childcare support to take up the offer.”
Find out more about childcare and childcare funding in Brighton & Hove