We are pleased to announce that beginning this year, families in Shropshire who are in employment will be receiving increased assistance with their childcare expenses. The adjustments scheduled for implementation in April 2024 are part of the Government’s Childcare Choices campaign, which seeks to raise awareness of the financial aid accessible to aid parents in covering the costs of childcare.
Qualified families will be eligible for 570 hours of complimentary childcare annually, with additional expansions in the pipeline. By September 2025, the majority of working families with children under the age of 5 will be provided with 1,140 hours of funded childcare support each year.
The gradual roll-out of these modifications is designed to ensure that childcare providers are capable of meeting the needs of an increased number of families. Starting from April 2024, parents in England who meet the eligibility requirements and have children aged 2 will have access to 15 hours per week (equating to 570 hours annually) of childcare. This offer will then be extended to working parents with children aged between 9 months and 3 years by September 2024, and by September 2025, working parents with children up to school age will have access to 30 hours per week (1,140 hours per year) of childcare.
Furthermore, parents can anticipate a wider availability of wraparound care for primary-school aged children before and after school from September 2024.
The criteria for qualification for the new free hours are based on the income of the parents and the age of the child. It is imperative to note that parents must be employed and earning at least the equivalent of 16 hours per week at the national minimum wage or living wage, with an individual income not exceeding £100,000 per year. Additionally, children must be under the age of 5 and not yet in school to be eligible for the additional support.
Kirstie Hurst-Knight, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for children and education, conveyed her excitement for the new opportunities for families and encouraged parents to explore the support available to them via the Childcare Choices website.
As the adjustments are put into practice, parents and carers can refer to www.childcarechoices.gov.uk for further information and to apply for the new free hours.
Families are now able to access support not only through nurseries and childminders, but also for breakfast clubs, after-school clubs, activity clubs, holiday clubs, home care workers, and play schemes, subject to eligibility criteria.
Moreover, families may be eligible to utilise more than one childcare scheme concurrently, thereby availing the most comprehensive array of support within their reach.
For parents in Shropshire in need of further assistance, the Shropshire Family Information Service offers information and advice and can be reached for support.
The changes that are set to take effect this year provide a significant boost for countless families who are grappling with the impact of escalating living expenses. Therefore, we strongly advise parents and carers who are interested to visit the Childcare Choices website and ascertain their entitlements.
We are delighted to witness these positive changes being implemented to offer support to working families in Shropshire during these trying circumstances. If you are a parent or carer, we strongly encourage you to seize this opportunity and submit an application for the childcare support that is rightfully yours.
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