Final Stage of Funded Childcare Expansion Launched

Final Stage of Funded Childcare Expansion Launched

From September 2025, working parents in England will see the final stage of the government’s planned expansion of funded early years childcare. This means eligible children from age nine months up to the start of reception will be able to access 30 free hours a week of childcare.

The government estimates that in this final rollout there will be extra places created across early years settings and schools, particularly targeting disadvantaged areas. The intent is to support parental employment, reduce childcare costs, and narrow gaps in early development. It estimates that around half a million children will benefit from the funded childcare.

However, the sector continues to highlight pressures that could affect delivery and quality. Workforce shortages remain acute, particularly for qualified staff; providers stress the need for competitive pay, funded training, and clear progression. Funding rates are another widespread concern. Warnings that without adequate local funding to match the increased hours, core operating costs, such as staffing, premises and consumables, may become unsustainable. Rapid growth also raises risks around space standards, ratios, and maintaining curriculum and safeguarding quality under time pressure.

Sources:
1. https://www.eyalliance.org.uk/news/2025/09/final-phase-entitlement-expansion-launches
2. https://www.nurseryworld.co.uk/content/news/councils-still-holding-more-than-65m-in-unspent-early-years-funding-just-days-before-september-expansion