The Chancellor of the Exchequer will usher in changes that mean families will be able to access extended free childcare for all under 5s.
A string of changes to reform employment and get more people into work was unveiled as Jeremy Hunt delivered his spring statement to MPs on Wednesday (March 15). In an effort to remove barriers to work, he promised up to 30 hours a week of free childcare for eligible households in England with children as young as nine months, instead of three and four-year-olds under the current policy.
The phased policy will be worth up to £6,500 a year for working families. Meanwhile Mr Hunt said he will also increase funding paid to nurseries providing free childcare under the hours offer by £204 million from this September, rising to £288 million next year.
