New Childcare Entitlement 2023

In the Spring Budget 2023, the Chancellor set out large-scale childcare reforms to:

• increase availability of childcare placements
• reduce costs of childcare
• increase the number of parents using childcare

This represents the single biggest investment in early education and childcare in England to date.

The existing childcare offer

Currently, all parents are entitled to 15 hours childcare support per week for 3 and 4 year olds.

Parents who work for at least 16 hours a week at the national minimum/living wage and earn less than £100,000 adjusted net income per year are entitled to 30 hours childcare support for 3 and 4 year olds.

Some parents of 2 year olds are entitled to 15 hours childcare support per week if they receive some specific forms of support.

More information can be found online: www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

The Budget announcement – transforming childcare

The following changes will be introduced in phases:

September 2023

• Childminder grants made available. £1,200 for those who register with a childminder agency and £600 for those who register with Ofsted.
• Staff to child ratio changed from 1:4 to 1:5 for 2 year olds in England.

April 2024

• Eligible working parents of 2 year olds will be able to access 15 hours childcare support.

September 2024

• National wraparound care support begins (out of school care from 8am (breakfast care) to 6pm (after school care) term time only).
• 15 hours childcare support to eligible working parents of children aged 9 months to 3 years.

September 2025

• 30 hours childcare support to eligible working parents of children from 9 months to primary age.

September 2026

• All schools able to offer 8am to 6pm wraparound care on their own or in a partnership.

We are working to support childcare providers to implement these changes, we would be grateful if you could complete the relevant survey below to help us identify what support is needed.