New childcare entitlements for 1 & 2 year olds - what does it mean for you?

In the Spring Budget 2023, the Government announced an extension to the 30 hours for eligible working families to all 1 and 2 year olds. 

What does this mean for families?

The new entitlements will be rolled out gradually between April 2024 and September 2025. We will be looking at the detail of this over the coming months, however the budget confirmed:

• 2 year olds in eligible working households will be able to access 15 hours from April 2024
• 9 month olds to 2 year olds in eligible working households will be able to access 15 hours from September 2024
• 9 month olds to 2 year olds in eligible working households will be able to access 30 hours from September 2025

Will I get 30 hours every week?

We don't know just yet, but existing '30 hours' for working families with 3 and 4 year olds get 30 hours per week, for 38 weeks per year. Where parents/carers take this up all year round it is equivalent to around 22 hours per week.  

Will my setting be able to offer this?

We will be looking at what providers can offer to families under this offer in the coming months. Providers can choose whether to offer the existing 15 or 30 hour entitlements, and/or the new entitlements that will be available from April 2024. They can also choose how they offer these entitlements, for example limiting the number of funded places or hours available. 

It is best to discuss with your existing provider what entitlements you would hope to be able to access and we are sure that they will provide any additional information once further information is made available to them. 

Who would be eligible?

It is likely that the criteria will be the same as it is for the current 30 hours entitlement for 3 & 4 year olds. You can find more information on this at https://www.gov.uk/30-hours-free-childcare.