Q: I’m planning to go back to work next year after maternity leave, and I’ve heard about changes to the free childcare scheme. What should I expect, and are these plans still going ahead with the new government?
A:You’re right to enquire because there have been significant changes to the free childcare scheme, and further expansions are planned.
Previously, working parents with children aged three and four were entitled to 30 hours of free childcare per week, though this was reduced to 15 hours if either parent had an income of £100,000 or more.
Starting from April 2024, parents of two-year-olds have qualified for 15 hours of free childcare, with the scheme expanding further in September 2024 to include children as young as nine months old.
From April 2024, working parents with two-year-olds have been eligible for 15 hours of free childcare per week. As of September, this has been extended to parents with children as young as nine months.
By September 2025, under the previous government, the plan was to roll out 30 hours of free childcare per week for working parents of children from nine months to three years during term time. However, parents earning more than £100,000 will be limited to 15 hours per week.
Labour has indicated it would continue to back this plan. However, the new government has also committed to reviewing childcare, with the new Education Secretary raising concerns about funding and capacity issues in the system. So, we’ll need to keep an eye out for any potential updates or adjustments over the coming year. It’s even possible something will be clarified or announced on 30 October at the Budget.
