East Lancs MP Urges Parents: Check Your Eligibility for Free Childcare Now!

A Member of Parliament from East Lancashire has encouraged locals to verify their qualification for subsidized childcare.

The initiative, unveiled on Monday, May 12, seeks to assist households across the country with their childcare expenses, as more than 500,000 families have now secured a spot.

Starting in September, this initiative provides parents who work a minimum of 16 hours per week with up to 30 hours of free childcare for their child once they reach at least nine months old.

Sarah Smith, the Member of Parliament for Hyndburn , has embraced the initiative and highlighted that it could lead to annual savings of up to £7,500 per child.

She stated: "Being a mother to a toddler has made me acutely aware of just how demanding and constant life can be during those initial stages—dealing with diapers and establishing nap routines, all while attempting to squeeze in work whenever we can."

“While dashing off to Westminster for important votes isn’t an everyday experience for most parents, balancing all the demands of work and family life certainly is.

This backing will genuinely impact working households. I strongly suggest moms and dads to verify their eligibility and submit an application.

"These savings can be life-changing — and it’s something we promised to deliver.”

The scheme was originally introduced by the previous Conservative government and began being rolled out in England in April last year for working parents of two-year-olds.

Families will be given a choice in the provider they send their children to, with 93 per cent of parents getting their first choice.

Nonetheless, childcare providers have voiced worries that the proposed changes might lead to overcrowding in nurseries.

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Neil Leitch, CEO of the EYA, stated: "Although we acknowledge that certain establishments might appreciate the extra adaptability introduced by this alteration, we still have reservations regarding how such a policy could affect the standard of service—especially considering the danger that these changes might lead to overpopulation in some facilities should they proceed without adequate oversight."

“We’re clear that ensuring the safety and well-being of young children must always be at the heart of early years education and care.

“Yet, as we get closer to the final stage of the entitlement expansion, it appears that the need to create new places is constantly being prioritised over and above the need to ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality early years provision.”

To apply for the scheme, visit the child care choices section of the government website.