Free Childcare for Working Parents Deadline Approaching

Parents in Tameside are being encouraged to check if they are eligible for free childcare before the end of August as part of the government’s Working Parent Entitlement.

From September 2024, in addition to free childcare for two year olds, it will also include eligible working parents with children under two years old, commencing from the term after a child reaches nine months old.

Working parents with a child who is under two, or a child who turns two by 31 August may be eligible for 15-hours free childcare.

If both parents or a lone parent earn on average at least £167 per week (equal to 16-hours and the National Minimum or Living Wage), they will be able to claim 15-hours free childcare over 38 weeks of the year. Parents for both age ranges must apply and be issued with a valid eligibility code, and their child must have reached the eligible age on or before 31 August 2024 to start in September 2024.

Tameside Council Executive Member for Children’s Services, Councillor Teresa Smith, said: “I really welcome the support of free childcare for working parents which has seen a huge uptake since it was introduced earlier in the year. Now with the age range extended, I hope as many families as possible across Tameside can benefit from the offer to help give their children the best start in life.”

Additional support will be coming from 2025, as the government offer will be extended to eligible working parents to apply for up to 30-hours free childcare.

To check if you are eligible for free childcare and to apply, visit the Childcare Choices website at www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

For more information on how to find a place, contact the Family Information Service on 0161 342 4260.