Funded provision for 9 month olds and above...

During the Chancellor's recent Budget, there were some announcements made regarding childcare; namely extending the 30 hour provision to children aged 9 months and over, and the optional relaxation of ratios for two year olds.

Jeremy Hunt announced that the Government plans to introduce free childcare for children aged 9 months and over. At this moment in time, we understand that working parents of two year olds will be able to access 15 hours from April 2024, and working parents of children 9 months upwards will be able to access 15 hours from September 2024. According to today's budget announcement; from September 2025, all working parents of under fives will be able to access 30 funded hours of childcare per week. 

The Government has also announced that the minimum staff to child ratio will change from 1:4 to 1:5 for two-year-olds in England, similar to in Scotland, though this will be optional for settings.

We do not have any further information/specific details about the funding plan or ratio change as yet, however when we do know more, we will of course keep you updated.