Sign up now for expanded funded childcare scheme

Working families of children aged between nine months and two years can now claim 30 hours of funded childcare every week.

The increase from 15 hours per week came into effect at the start of September and has been rolled out by the Government to support a child’s early education and help families better balance work and family life. It also says it could save families up to £7,500 a year.

The expansion means eligible working families in Wolverhampton can now apply for 30 hours of funded childcare per week during term time from the term after their child turns nine months until they reach school age.

To qualify, each parent must earn at least the equivalent of 16 hours per week at national minimum or living wage, and have an income of less than £100,000 per year.

To find out more, including how to apply, please visit www.beststartinlife.gov.uk.

Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “Every year hundreds of families in Wolverhampton benefit from funded childcare schemes at participating nurseries, schools and childminders around the city.

“It is great news that this has now been extended to offer 30 hours of funded childcare per week to children – from the term they turn nine-months right through until they reach school age.

“Accessing early education gives your child the chance to learn, play and make new friends and the opportunity to develop and master new skills. It supports them as they prepare for school by helping them to communicate, explore new experiences, be active and healthy, and, of course, it also helps parents juggle careers and childcare.

"I would encourage eligible working parents who are not yet accessing funded childcare but would benefit from doing so to sign up today."

Apart from funded childcare for eligible working parents, people in receipt of certain benefits are also eligible for 15 hours of funded childcare for two-year-olds, known as Terrific for Twos in Wolverhampton.

Meanwhile, eligible working parents and carers with children aged 11 or under can get up to £2,000 per child each year towards their childcare costs, or up to £4,000 for children with a disability aged 16 or under, though the tax-free childcare scheme.