Eligible working parents in Northumberland can now apply for 15 hours childcare for a child aged 9 months old and over. 

 

It’s the latest stage in the rollout of the Government’s expansion to childcare support for families.  

 

Since April 2024, hundreds of thousands of families have been able to access 15 hours of government-funded childcare for their two-year-olds. 

  

Now, from today (Sunday 12 May), eligible working parents can now apply for 15 hours of government-funded childcare for children who are aged between nine-months and 23-months-old. 

 

From September 2025, this will be extended further so eligible working parents with children between 9 months up to school age can access 30 hours childcare. 

 

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 sign up to mailing list to receive more information. 

 

“We want childcare to be truly affordable and available when and where parents need it, and registering will also help us in Northumberland to plan ahead to meet demand and to make sure that happens.” 

 

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.” 

 

For information on careers in early years visit: https://nland.cc/EarlyYearsCareers