£4 billion scheme to provide 15 hours of weekly free childcare for every two-year-old from april

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has affirmed that parents will receive free childcare within weeks as the government prepares to roll out a £4 billion scheme. The initiative, set to commence in April, promises 15 hours of free childcare per week for every two-year-old. The program will be extended from September, offering the same benefit to children aged nine months.

Despite concerns raised in recent reports about staffing shortages, funding allocation issues, and IT challenges, Sunak emphasized that the plan remains on track. The Chancellor addressed the practical challenges during a visit to the National Film and Television School in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, stating, “We are excited about our plans to expand childcare in a way that has never been done in our country before.”

Sunak acknowledged some “practical issues” related to the extension of free childcare but assured the public that these concerns are actively being addressed. He expressed confidence that the expansion, described as the “biggest in our country’s history,” would proceed as planned.

The new scheme, announced by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt at last year’s Budget, aims to transform childcare by providing significant support to families. However, recent reports in The Times have highlighted challenges faced by nursery operators in guaranteeing care and uncertainties about the funding allocation for each place.

Issues have also arisen at HMRC, where 25,000 families need to re-confirm their tax status to access the new scheme. An accounting error has further complicated matters, resulting in a £120 million budget shortfall due to miscalculations in the cost estimation for the first twelve months.

While concerns have been raised about potential delays and technical glitches, the Department for Education remains optimistic about the historic expansion of childcare in England. A spokesman for the department stated that thousands of parents have already applied for the expansion set to begin in April. Additionally, measures are being taken to address challenges related to the tax-free childcare system and provider issues, ensuring a smooth implementation of the program.