Thu. Oct 3rd, 2024

Free childcare expansion: step forward to support working parents in England, but crucial parents are aware of their entitlement

  • From September, 15 hours free childcare support will be extended to eligible working parents with a nine-month-old in England. Expanding on the support introduced for two-year-olds in April.
  • Official figures in the run up to April’s change found two in five parents of under-twos were unaware of the roll out of the extension to childcare funding, and awareness was lowest among the poorest families*

Catherine Foot, Director of Phoenix Insights, Phoenix Group’s longevity think tank said:

“The expansion of childcare funding to nine-month-olds is another step forward to support working parents in England manage the affordability of childcare. Over a third of parents of under-fives struggled to meet childcare costs last year*, so extending the funding will provide some financial relief to this group.

“But it’s not just the short-term financial benefits. Parents who increase their working hours or return to work because of the new support will likely receive a boost to their retirement savings. Most people saving in a workplace pension pay a proportion of their salary to their retirement savings alongside an employer contribution, so any increase in earnings can increase pension contributions.

Awareness of new entitlement lowest among the poorest families

“While the new support is welcomed, it’s crucial parents are fully aware of what they are entitled to. Official figures in the run up to April’s change found two in five parents of under-twos were unaware of the roll out of the extension to childcare funding, and worryingly awareness was lowest among the poorest families. Many of these families face challenges balancing living costs, work and childcare, so it’s important they aren’t left in the dark about the support available.”

 

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By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.

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