Deadline approaching for childcare funding for children aged over nine-months
28 Aug 2024
Families in Northumberland are reminded to apply for childcare for September before the application deadline on Saturday August 31.
Government-funded childcare support for families is expanding. If you are an eligible working parent in England, you can now apply for:
- 15 hours childcare for your child aged nine months old until they turn three years old
- 30 hours childcare for your three and four-year-old
You will need to apply by August 31 to use your hours from September 1.
Childcare is also expanding for primary-school age children. From September, parents can expect to see an expansion in the availability of childcare in their local area before and after school, that runs from 8am until 6pm or later, also known as ‘wraparound childcare’.
Cllr Guy Renner-Thompson, Cabinet member for Inspiring Young People said: “The expansion of childcare support is going to be game-changing for many families helping them juggle the challenges of work and family life.
“If you haven’t already done so, visit the Childcare Choices website to find out what you’re entitled to and make an application before the August 31 deadline.”
The expansion is creating more jobs and apprenticeships in Northumberland as early years providers recruit to meet the rising demand for childcare places.
New starters and those returning to the sector may also be eligible for £1,000 golden hellos.
Start-up grants are also available for people considering opening their own childminding business.
Support for those looking to retrain in early years education is also available.
Cllr Renner-Thompson added: "Our early years and childcare providers are the absolute cornerstone of our education system, laying those vital foundations so that children will be ready for school.
“The quality of early years provision in Northumberland is excellent with 97 per cent of early years providers rated Good or Outstanding.
“The impact of the learning and development a child experiences during their first five years will last a lifetime.
“As a council, we are supporting the sector at this exciting time, and we are looking for people with a wide range of experiences who are passionate about giving children the best start in life to join us.”