Supporting your team: Navigating the new free childcare scheme
As an employer, supporting your team goes beyond the workplace. Understanding and promoting the benefits that can enhance their personal lives is crucial, especially when it comes to easing the financial strain of childcare.
The UK remains one of the most expensive countries for childcare, which makes the Government’s extension of the free childcare scheme a significant boon for working parents, including your employees.
Starting this year, the Government is expanding its free childcare scheme to include younger children, potentially easing the financial burden for many of your team members.
Beginning in September 2024, children as young as nine months will be eligible for 15 hours of free childcare per week, aligning with school term times.
This change introduces an opportunity for your employees who are parents to better balance work and family life without the stress of excessive childcare costs.
Current childcare scheme improvements:
- For two-year-olds: Since April 2024, working parents of two-year-olds have been eligible for 15 hours of free childcare per week. This is contingent upon application and reconfirmation of eligibility every three months.
Upcoming:
- For children nine months and older: Starting from September 2024, the eligibility will extend to children from the age of nine months. Applications for this age group opened on 12 May, with a final deadline for code submission by 31 August 2024.
Looking ahead:
- September 2025 expansion: The scheme is due to expand to offer 30 hours of free childcare weekly for all eligible working parents of children aged nine months to school age. However, the uncertainty created by the current general election may mean that this measure is delayed or abandoned altogether depending on what party is in power post-4 July.
Eligibility and application:
The free childcare offer applies to working parents earning between £8,670 and £100,000 annually. To participate, parents must enrol their children in approved childcare facilities registered with Ofsted.
The benefits of early application
Given the national demand for childcare places, eligible parents must apply for these free hours as soon as possible.
Encouraging your employees to apply early can prevent last-minute pressures and ensure they secure a place at their preferred childcare facility.
To do this, working, eligible parents can apply here.
Supporting your employees with information and resources to take advantage of the free childcare hours helps them financially and boosts morale and productivity by reducing the stress associated with childcare arrangements.
As an employer, your proactive approach in facilitating access to such schemes can foster a supportive workplace culture, enhancing employee satisfaction and retention.