Explore the latest 2024 Funded Childcare Changes

There are some very exciting changes in the Early Years childcare sector that will be a great benefit to families and a positive step towards each child’s future.

It has been recognised by the Department of Education that childcare is one of the biggest costs facing working families today. Therefore, new plans are coming into effect that from April, families of two-year-olds will get 15 hours per week during term time, with children from nine months included from September. This plan will have fully rolled out by September 2025.

Here is a brief summary below of what you can expect to see:

• From April 2024, all eligible working parents of 2-year-olds can access 15 hours per week for 38 weeks of the year, which is 570 hours per year.
• From September 2024, all eligible working parents of children aged 9 months up to 3-years-old can access 15 hours per week for 38 weeks of the year, which is 570 hours per year.
• From September 2025, all eligible working parents of children aged 9 months up to 3-years-old can access 30 hours free childcare per week for 38 weeks of the year, which is a further 570 hours, totalling 1140 hours per year.

Need help with understanding funded childcare for 2024? Visit our guide here: http://theoldstationnursery.localhost/parent-resources/funded-childcare/