Parents of children as young as nine months old can soon apply for 15 hours of free childcare, aiming to support more parents in returning to work. The scheme expansion hopes to address concerns about childcare availability and staffing. Eligibility for free childcare depends on factors like parental income and employment status. Applications should be made before the start of the term, when the child becomes eligible. However, concerns have been raised about additional costs not covered by the scheme and the availability of childcare places and staff.
The government is taking steps to address these issues, including offering incentives for individuals to become childminders. Opposition parties express scepticism about the feasibility of the childcare plan. Additionally, different childcare support schemes operate in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
