Working families in Worcestershire can now get more help with their childcare costs.
From 1 April 2024, working families will be able to access 15 hours of funded childcare per week for their 2-year-olds, thanks to additional government funding.
This is the first of a number of changes coming to better support families with their childcare costs.
From 1 September 2024, eligible working families will be able to access 15 hours of funded childcare the term after their child turns 9 months, and from 1 September 2025 this will increase to 30 hours.
Parents can check when they will be eligible for funded hours via the Childcare Choices website. Hours can be used flexibly with one or more childcare providers and are for term-time only but some providers will allow parents to stretch their hours across the year.
Parents will need to apply for an Eligibility Code via the Childcare Choices website and give the code to their childcare provider, such as their nursery or childminder.
Councillor Tracey Onslow, Worcestershire County Council's Cabinet Member with responsibility for Education said: “Early education is so important for under 5s as it helps them to learn valuable new skills, make friends and have fun.
“This additional support will allow many parents to return to work without the pressure of high childcare costs. We would encourage eligible families to make the most of the funded childcare hours available to allow children valuable early learning opportunities and help parents to juggle work and life.”
Find out more about help with childcare costs at the Childcare Choices website.
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