Campaigners, parents and the early-years sector in England have welcomed a major extension of state support for childcare costs, but warned that the plans would take years to come into effect and fail without sufficient funding.
In a move that was met with delight by parents but given a cautious welcome by campaigners, the chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, confirmed a £4bn expansion of free childcare for all preschool children from 2025, and announced “an ambition” for all state primaries to provide childcare before and after lessons from 2026.
