Who gets 15 hours of free childcare and how do I apply?

Published On Aug 1, 2022, 9:48 AM

The UK government is expanding free childcare hours for working parents, providing 15 hours per week for children aged two starting in April 2024, and for nine-month-olds starting in September 2024. All under-fives will receive 30 hours from September 2025. While the initiative aims to support parents returning to work, critics highlight a shortage of available childcare places, with 85,000 more spots needed by 2025. The initiative may incur additional costs related to extra services, leading some families to find it unaffordable. There is also a significant gap in childcare staffing and place availability, particularly for under-twos.