UK Government's Expansion of Free Childcare to Proceed Despite Concerns

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak reassures that 'practical issues' will be resolved, while childcare providers express concerns over funding and policy handling.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak insists that the UK government's expansion of free childcare will proceed as planned despite 'practical issues' affecting some families.
Parents who have been unable to apply for 15 hours of funded childcare despite being eligible will now be automatically sent a code in the post to access the scheme.
Childcare providers express concerns about the lack of clarity on funding they will receive for the scheme and the government's handling of the policy.
From April 2024, eligible working parents of two-year-olds can apply for 15 hours of free childcare, with the 15-hour offering extended to eligible parents of children from nine months to three-year-olds from September.
From September 2025, eligible parents of under-fives will be entitled to 30 hours of childcare a week.