Access New Funding for 9-Month-Old Children at UK Nurseries Starting September 2024
In the UK, childcare costs are a significant concern for parents, particularly for those with younger children. Starting September 2024, the UK government will provide significant financial help for parents with 9-month-old children in nurseries. This initiative is part of a broader effort to make childcare more affordable and accessible.
Free Nursery Hours UK: The Changes
The key change coming in September 2024 is the expansion of the funded hours to include children as young as 9 months.
Currently, funded childcare is primarily available to children aged 2 and above. Parents can now get 15 hours of free childcare per week for children aged 9 months and older.
This will significantly reduce the financial burden on families during the early years when childcare costs are typically highest. All children aged 9 months to 4 years will receive an increase to 30 hours of funding starting in September 2025.
Who Will Benefit?
This money is for working families. They can get it if they and their partner earn at least 16 hours per week at the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage. An upper income limit exists, excluding households earning more than £100,000 per year.
This funding is for education only and does not pay for meals or other items you need. In essence the funding subsidises the cost of childcare, it is not free. However, the savings are still significant.
Impact on Nurseries
Nurseries in the UK have been preparing for this change for some time. More young children will likely need spots at nurseries.
Many people in the sector are pleased with the additional funding. However, there are concerns that the government money may not cover the cost of providing quality care.
Nursery providers want funding rates to reflect their actual costs. This is important to avoid financial shortfalls. Without proper funding, some childcare centers may struggle to survive. Therefore, nurseries usually charge a fee to cover expenses not included in the funding formula.
How to Access the Funding
Parents will need to apply through their local authority or through the government’s dedicated childcare website. The process will involve confirming employment status and income. Once approved, parents can choose a nursery that offers funded hours. They can then enroll their child in the new funding program.
For further information on how you can access and use this funding at our nurseries, please contact us.
Shine Childcare is one of the leading childcare providers in North England. Operating leading nurseries in Leeds, Huddersfield, Oldham and Halifax.