Money Box Live: Cheaper Childcare?
Summary
Money Box Live delves into the new 15 hours of funded childcare in England, a significant relief for working parents. The episode features interviews with parents on their savings and struggles, alongside expert insights into eligibility, the sector's capacity, and the upcoming expansion to 30 hours. It also covers the tax-free childcare scheme, nursery operational challenges, and the impact of application cut-offs on parental leave.Episode description
Working parents and carers of children aged 9 months or over are now entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare a week during term time.
50 hours of nursery can cost around £14,000 a year, so it's a welcome relief for many. There had been warnings that parents would struggle to find places but the government says it is confident about meeting demand.
From next September, the offer is set to rise to 30 hours, and include children up to school age too.
Education Minister, Baroness Smith has said it'll be a challenge to meet that level of demand with the Department for Education estimating about 85,000 more childcare places and 40,000 extra staff will be needed by 2025.
On today's programme we will be hearing from parents as well as the CEO of Kids Planet, one of the countries largest providers. Felicity Hannah will also be joined by Jonathan Broadberry, Policy Director at the National Day Nurseries Association and Emma Broome, Chief Executive of children's charity Coram.
We'll also look at the new rules coming in to make childcare cheaper in Northern Ireland.
Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producer: Sarah Rogers Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast at 3pm on Wednesday the 4th of September, 2024)