A Boost in Free Childcare

This month brings good news for loads of families across Cornwall as free childcare expands to help parents and children.

When speaking with local parents, I often hear the same struggle: a lack of affordable, accessible childcare can hold people back from work,  push household budgets to the limit and cause a lot of stress.

That is why this change really matters. From now on, up to 5,760 children aged 9 months to 2 years will be eligible for 30 hours of free childcare a week, which is worth up to £7,500 per child, per year. This means more parents can return to work or study without the stress of juggling drop-offs/pick-ups or paying out hundreds each month.

Even better, new protections will stop nurseries from charging “top-up” fees for essentials like nappies or meals, so families feel the full benefit.

I’ve visited nurseries across the constituency and seen first-hand how vital early years care is — especially for children’s development. I urge all parents to check what support they might now be entitled to here:  childcarechoices.gov.uk.

This is just one part of Labour’s plan to support families, alongside free school meals in places like Tregony and St. Francis, better mental health support, and thousands more teachers.

We’re easing the cost of living and giving every child a better start.