01/06/2015
PM Plans To Double Free Childcare For Working Parents
Prime Minister David Cameron plans to double free childcare for working parents, with some families set to benefit as early as next year.
Parents will benefit from 30 hours of free childcare, with rollout to start from 2016 – a year earlier than planned.
The Childcare Bill, introduced tomorrow, Tuesday, will double free childcare available for all working parents of 3 and 4 year olds to 30 hours a week – available to up to 600,000 families and worth around £5,000 a year – including the £2,500 they can already save from existing free childcare offers.
In a move to underline the government's commitment to support working families with the costs of childcare, plans are being drawn up to introduce the changes for some families a year earlier than planned, with pilots in some areas offering 30 hours worth of free places from September 2016.
Mr Cameron said: "My message is clear. This government is on the side of working people – helping them get on and supporting them at every stage of life.
"That is exactly why we are pressing ahead with these reforms - so that not a moment is lost in getting on with the task - going further than ever before to help with childcare costs, helping hardworking families and giving people the opportunity to get into work."
(CD)
Parents will benefit from 30 hours of free childcare, with rollout to start from 2016 – a year earlier than planned.
The Childcare Bill, introduced tomorrow, Tuesday, will double free childcare available for all working parents of 3 and 4 year olds to 30 hours a week – available to up to 600,000 families and worth around £5,000 a year – including the £2,500 they can already save from existing free childcare offers.
In a move to underline the government's commitment to support working families with the costs of childcare, plans are being drawn up to introduce the changes for some families a year earlier than planned, with pilots in some areas offering 30 hours worth of free places from September 2016.
Mr Cameron said: "My message is clear. This government is on the side of working people – helping them get on and supporting them at every stage of life.
"That is exactly why we are pressing ahead with these reforms - so that not a moment is lost in getting on with the task - going further than ever before to help with childcare costs, helping hardworking families and giving people the opportunity to get into work."
(CD)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
07 September 2011
Childcare Costs Force Poor Out Of Work
Families on low-incomes across the UK are having to turn down jobs or are considering leaving work because they can't afford to pay for childcare. New research from Save the Children and Daycare Trust also found that parents, regardless of income, say that they can't afford not to work, but struggle to pay for childcare.
Childcare Costs Force Poor Out Of Work
Families on low-incomes across the UK are having to turn down jobs or are considering leaving work because they can't afford to pay for childcare. New research from Save the Children and Daycare Trust also found that parents, regardless of income, say that they can't afford not to work, but struggle to pay for childcare.
03 September 2014
Free Childcare Announced For Two-Year-Olds
Two-year-olds are to receive 15 hours free childcare every week, under new plans announced by the Liberal Democrats. Currently all three and four-year-olds and two-year-olds from the most hard-pressed homes are eligible for 15 hours free childcare each week. Liberal Democrats want all children to have the opportunity to get the best start in life.
Free Childcare Announced For Two-Year-Olds
Two-year-olds are to receive 15 hours free childcare every week, under new plans announced by the Liberal Democrats. Currently all three and four-year-olds and two-year-olds from the most hard-pressed homes are eligible for 15 hours free childcare each week. Liberal Democrats want all children to have the opportunity to get the best start in life.
17 January 2014
Scottish Budget Published
A new 2014-15 budget for Scotland has been published, including measures to increase free school meals and childcare places.
Scottish Budget Published
A new 2014-15 budget for Scotland has been published, including measures to increase free school meals and childcare places.
15 July 2003
Childcare charges rise over summer holidays
Families face a huge rise in the cost of summer holiday childcare, according to a new survey published today by the national childcare charity, Daycare Trust. The typical weekly cost of a place for a child in a summer holiday play scheme is set to rise by 16%, according to the report. Currently, the typical cost for childcare is £67.
Childcare charges rise over summer holidays
Families face a huge rise in the cost of summer holiday childcare, according to a new survey published today by the national childcare charity, Daycare Trust. The typical weekly cost of a place for a child in a summer holiday play scheme is set to rise by 16%, according to the report. Currently, the typical cost for childcare is £67.
11 November 2004
Labour and Tories present childcare plans
With the party machines gearing up for the general election, both the government and the Opposition have today been courting working families with the launch of their respective proposals for childcare provision.
Labour and Tories present childcare plans
With the party machines gearing up for the general election, both the government and the Opposition have today been courting working families with the launch of their respective proposals for childcare provision.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.