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Education reporter Vanessa Clarke has reported on the final phase of the largest-ever expansion of publicly funded childcare support in England. Thousands of working parents are now able to access 30 hours of childcare per week during term-time for their children aged nine months to four years, paid for by the government. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described this development as a “landmark moment” for working families, noting that the scheme would ease financial burdens for parents. However, there are reports of long waiting lists for childcare places, with nurseries citing staff shortages as a limiting factor.
Parents like Josh Harper and Chloe Hart have shared their positive experiences with the extended childcare scheme. They mentioned that their 18-month-old son Oakley’s name was first on the waiting list at his new nursery in Altrincham, resulting in significant savings on fees. Despite the financial relief, some parents have expressed concerns over the availability of childcare places and the challenges in securing them due to high demand.
With the government estimating a need for about 70,000 extra places to accommodate increased demand, nurseries and childminders have reported a surge in inquiries from families eligible for the additional funding. However, regional discrepancies in availability persist, making it challenging for parents like Rachael Darbyshire from Bolton to find suitable childcare options for her return to work next summer. The sector is also grappling with workforce issues, with the need for 35,000 more staff to deliver the expanded funded hours.
Confusion surrounds the definition of “free” childcare under the scheme, as providers highlight that government-funded hours cover term-time only and do not cover all associated costs. Many nurseries have raised their prices, leading to concerns about regional inequalities and financial constraints within the sector. Parenting support groups have voiced worries about the impact on families and providers, emphasizing the need for clear guidance and additional funding to address underlying challenges in the childcare system
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