Swindon and Cornwall to launch 30 hours free childcare a year early

Eight UK councils have started offering extended free childcare for three and four year olds a year early.

 

Working parents in some areas will benefit from 30 hours of free childcare for youngsters a year before the scheme is rolled out nationwide.

 

Childcare Minister Sam Gyimah, annouced £13 million will be allocated to councils, including Swindon and Cornwall, to launch the entitlement from September 2016.

 

All three and four year olds as well as some disadvantaged two year olds are already entitled to 15 hours of free childcare a week during term times.

 

The extra 15 hours of free care will be available to families where both parents or a single parent earns the equivalent of 16 hours a week at the national minimum wage or above but earns less than £100,000 a year.