Walsall families to receive more financial support for childcare costs

From April 2024, eligible working families will be able to receive more financial support with their childcare costs, and Walsall families are being encouraged to find out what support they are eligible for.

The changes are part of cross-Government roll out campaign called Childcare Choices.

While most families in the UK are entitled to some form of support, many are missing out because they simply don’t know they are eligible. 

And from April 2024, working parents can get even more help with their childcare costs, starting with 15 hours childcare for 2-year-olds.

What are the changes?

• From April 2024, eligible working parents in England with children aged 2 will have access to 15 hours per week (570 hours per year) childcare.

• From September 2024, the 15 hours per week (570 hours per year) childcare offer will be expanded to eligible working parents in England with children between 9 months and 3 years old.

• From September 2025, eligible working parents in England with children between 9 months up to school age, will have access to 30 hours per week (1,140 hours per year) childcare.

Support is also expanding for primary-school aged children. From September 2024, parents are expected to see an expansion in the availability of childcare in their local area before and after school, between 8am and 6pm, also known as ‘wraparound care’. This includes childcare such as breakfast clubs, after-school clubs, holiday clubs, and play schemes.

Who is eligible?

• The eligibility criteria for the new free hours are based on the income of the parents and the age of the child.

• Parents must be working and earning at least the equivalent of 16 hours per week at the national minimum wage or living wage.

• Parents must not have an individual income of more than £100,000 per year.

• Children must be under the age of 5 and not yet in school.

Councillor Mark Statham, Portfolio Holder for Education and Skills at Walsall Council, said, “We are all too familiar with the everyday juggling act families face between home and work life, and the cost-of-living pressures that come with this can be a tough balancing act.

“We’re really pleased more tax-free childcare options are being available to support families, and as a local authority are working with childcare providers in the borough to ensure we can offer these places to children.

“If you haven’t done already, visit the Childcare Choices website to find out what you’re entitled to, and sign up to mailing list to receive more information about the upcoming expansion from April 2024.”

You can visit the Childcare Choices website: https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/