As I’ve been around Burnley and Padiham, on the doorsteps, at my advice surgeries or using more ‘modern’ tools like my Facebook Live Q&As; working parents have told me of the difficulties faced with childcare.
This is an issue that goes deeper than just a mild inconvenience. In far too many cases, being able to access affordable childcare determines whether a mother can go back to work once she’s had children. And even in those cases where going back is possible, often the financial balance is so tight, that work is covering the cost of the childcare and not much more.
That’s why, for many, grandma and grandad, or other friends and family, step in. But it isn’t always possible, and the informal nature of it can mean that going back to work is still a challenge.
That’s why I’m such a proponent of the changes being made to childcare, and the expansion of provision funded by the taxpayer. Because ultimately the benefits of that will come through greater support for families, greater financial stability for mums, and work which always pays.
There are valid considerations with a change of this magnitude though, not least ensuring that supply keeps up with demand. And having visited nurseries within our area to speak to those on the ground, this is something I’m acutely aware of and will be working with Minister’s to ensure we get right.
The changes which came in to force this week now mean that working parents of 2-year-olds and above are eligible for 15 free hours of childcare, with this expanding to children aged 9 months or older from September.
Once we get to 2025 it will increase further still to 30 hours of free childcare per week, which nearly covers a full-time job, and again that’s from 9 months old. But to get to this position we need to support the growth of both nurseries and incentivise more people to become childminders. The figures of those going into the profession has risen significantly already - by 13,000 since last year. But we need to go further.
Parents can find out more about what they might be eligible for, and when, by going to https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
And if you or someone you know might be interested in becoming a childminder, there’s lots of advice and support out there. And you might be eligible for a start-up grant of up to £1,200 to help get going. Drop me a message and I’ll send you all the information!
