Working parents in England have just three days left to claim free childcare worth up to £7,500 annually. The expanded scheme begins on September 1st, offering 30 hours of free childcare weekly for children aged nine months to four years.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson (Labour) is urging eligible parents to apply before the August 31st deadline. Parents already receiving 15 hours of free childcare will be automatically upgraded to the full 30 hours if they remain eligible.
Significant annual savings
The scheme could save working families up to £7,500 each year in childcare costs. According to Liverpool Echo, the application process takes approximately 20 minutes to complete online.
The policy represents a major expansion of childcare support for working families. Originally introduced by the Conservative government, the programme is now being extended under Labour's administration.
Additional support measures
The Government has also invested £600 million to extend the Holiday Activities and Food programme for three years. Chronicle Live reports that 20,282 children in the North East alone benefited from the programme during the Easter holidays.
Parents can apply for the free childcare hours through the Government's online portal. Those who miss the deadline will need to wait for the next application window to access the expanded provision.
Sources used: "Mirror", "Birminghammail", "Chronicle Live", "Liverpool Echo", "Manchester Evening News"
Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
