6 godzin temu
Working parents across England can now access 30 hours of free weekly childcare for children over nine months old, as the government's flagship policy reaches full implementation from Monday. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (Labour) celebrated the milestone despite industry warnings about potential staff shortages threatening delivery.
The expanded programme will support more than half a million children and deliver annual savings of £7,500 per child to working families, according to the Department for Education. The rollout represents the completion of a policy originally introduced under the previous Conservative administration.
However, the National Foundation for Educational Research has cautioned that workforce challenges could undermine the scheme's success. The organisation warned that whilst staff recruitment currently meets government targets, this progress "may not necessarily continue" without addressing underlying employment issues.
Government Response
Starmer hailed Monday's launch as a "promise made and a promise delivered" and described it as a "landmark moment for working families across the country". He emphasised that the rollout demonstrates his government's Plan for Change represents "not just words - it's action".
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: "It was never going to be easy, but against all odds we've delivered through our Plan for Change. And this is just the beginning." She outlined her broader ambition for universal access to high-quality early years provision "without strings and without unfair charges".
Workforce Challenges
Early years workers earn on average 36% less than comparable roles across the general workforce, creating significant recruitment and retention difficulties for nurseries. The median hourly wage has improved to £2 above minimum wage in 2023/24, but remains substantially below market rates.
The NFER has urged continued government investment in funding rates to enable providers to offer competitive salaries and reward experienced, qualified staff appropriately. Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the NAHT school leaders' union, called for "significant effort" to improve the status and remuneration of early years roles.
Rollout Timeline
The childcare expansion began in April 2024 with provision for eligible working parents of two-year-olds. September 2024 saw the introduction of 15 hours weekly funded childcare for children over nine months during term time, before Monday's extension to the full 30-hour entitlement.
The government expects the programme to deliver broader economic benefits by helping businesses retain skilled employees and raising living standards nationwide. A new Best Start in Life website has launched alongside the rollout, offering parents guidance on school preparation, childcare options and pregnancy support.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
