Childcare: Fees and Charges
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, (a) whether she has made an assessment of the potential financial impact on families with children who are younger than nine months old on the start date of childcare, who therefore do not qualify for funded childcare for their first term, and (b) what alternative financial support is available for such families.
Answered by Olivia Bailey
The government’s Plan for Change sets out a commitment to give children the best start in life, breaking the link between background and opportunity.
Children become eligible for the working parent entitlement from 1 September, 1 January or 1 April, the term after reaching 9 months old. Termly deadlines enable local authorities and providers to better plan and ensure sufficient places are available for parents each term.
Parents can access support with childcare costs beyond free entitlements, including Tax‑Free Childcare worth up to £2,000 per year up to age 11 (£4,000 for disabled children up to age 17). Eligibility matches the working parent entitlement, and support can be claimed immediately. Those not eligible may qualify for Universal Credit Childcare, which covers up to 85% of registered childcare costs each month.
We have committed to a Childcare Review to improve access to education and care, making the system simpler for families.
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