Working parents to toddlers will soon be eligible to apply for 15 hours of free childcare per week, the Government has confirmed.
As part of what the Government says is the “first step” in its “long-term plan to give working families a brighter future” – which was first hinted at all the way back in March of this year – it’s now been confirmed that, as of 2 January 2024, eligible working parents of two-year-olds will be able to register to access 15 hours free childcare per week from next April.
With thousands of parents set to benefit from the new scheme, Government ministers say the recommended time to register is between mid-January and the end of February next year.
Further increases to funding rates for childcare have also been confirmed this week, which apparently means that, in just 2024-25 alone, the Government will be investing over £400 million to deliver “a significant uplift to local authority hourly rates”.
We’re helping more parents access high-quality childcare so they can go to work.
As part of the largest expansion of childcare in history, from April, eligible working parents of 2-year-olds will be able to access 15 hours of childcare per week.
This is said to be in a bid to “ensure enough [childcare] places are available”, wherever it is they’re needed around the country.
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It’s claimed to be the “largest ever expansion of free childcare for working parents” in England’s history.
National average hourly rates paid by the Government will be £11.22 for under twos, £8.28 for two-year-olds, and £5.88 for three and four-year-olds from April 2024, it’s been confirmed.
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Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said the transformation of the current UK childcare system is “no easy task”, but the Government is “committed” to taking it on.
Parents of toddlers will soon be able to apply for 15 hours of free childcare / Credit: Tanaphong Toochinda & Ryan Fields (via Unsplash)
“Our fantastic childcare offer is going to start supporting eligible families in less than six months’ time, and I want to make sure that parents and providers are prepared,” she explained as the new scheme was announced.
“From April next year, eligible working parents of two-year-olds will be able to access 15 hours of government-funded childcare a week.
“We’re making sure parents no longer have to choose between a career and a family, and doubling down on this Government’s commitment to getting more people into work and growing the economy.”
Police appeal after Rochdale woman, 75, was burgled by man in clown outfit on Halloween
Emily Sergeant
An appeal for information has been made following reports of a burglary in Rochdale last week on Halloween.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that at around 7:10pm on Halloween (Friday 31 October), a woman on Birch Road in Rochdale answered the door to a man – who is believed to have been dressed in a clown outfit – and he proceeded to ask for a drink before following the woman into her address and stealing several items, then running away.
He took a red purse with the woman’s mother’s wedding ring inside of it – which is said to be of ‘extremely’ sentimental value.
Police say the man may have discarded the ring once he left the victim’s address, but he did use one of her stolen cards at a shop later that evening.
Birch Road in Rochdale, where the shocking incident happened / Credit: Google Maps
Thankfully, the woman – aged 75 – was left unhurt, but she has been left shocked and upset by the incident.
“This was a shocking incident, which has left a woman feeling unsafe in her own home,” commented Detective Sergeant Ruth Thompson, from GMP’s Rochdale district.
“She has spent many years helping the homeless and working for local charities, so it is particularly grim that someone would exploit her goodwill.”
#APPEAL | Officers are appealing for information following reports of a burglary in Rochdale on Friday (31 October).
At around 7.10pm that evening on Birch Road, a 75-year-old woman answered the door to a man, who then entered her home.
Investigating officers have now released an image of a man they would like to speak to, alongside the wider public appeal for information, as it’s believed it could help with their enquiries.
DS Thompson added: “While I appreciate the image quality isn’t the greatest, I hope that someone may recognise the costume and it jogs their memory.”
Anyone with any information is urged to contact police via 101 or using the Live Chat service at gmp.police.uk, quoting log 3012 of 31/10/25.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
News
Greater Manchester restaurants are adding an extra £1 to bills to help fight homelessness this Christmas
Emily Sergeant
Dozens of local restaurants will be adding an extra £1 onto every bill over the festive season to help fight street homelessness.
People in Greater Manchester are once again able to give back while they dine at some of the best restaurants the region has to offer in the run up to Christmas, as the successful StreetSmart fundraising initiative is back for another year.
This year, 26 fantastic restaurants have come together to support local homeless charities as the campaign launched this past Saturday (1 November).
Manchester independents such as Mana, Erst, Climat, 10 Tib Lane, Ezra & Gill, Tartuffe, and Blue Eyed Panda are among those taking part in the campaign this year, alongside several city centre chain restaurants such as Lina Stores, Tampopo, Banyan, Manahatta, and San Carlo.
StreetSmart works by each participating restaurant adding an extra £1 to every bill they deliver throughout November and December, with all of the money raised going directly to local homeless organisations, thanks to StreetSmart’s official sponsorship from LandAid.
The funds raised by StreetSmart in Greater Manchester this year will support the crucial work of organisations such as CentrePoint, which funds Independent Living Advisors for young people, and Real Change Manchester, which plugs into the existing homelessness charities to provide that extra boost of funding that makes all the difference.
The StreetSmart team says it’s determined to deliver another record-breaking year in 2025, and provide much-needed support to the services that help some of the most vulnerable people in the city.
Manchester restaurants are adding an extra £1 to bills to help fight homelessness this Christmas / Credit: Supplied | Rifqi Ali Ridho (via Unsplash)
“The festive period can be an incredibly tough time for the vulnerable people in our community,” explained Glenn Pougnet, who is the Director of StreetSmart.
“StreetSmart provides a simple way for people to help some of our city’s most in need. Giving back whilst dining out at Christmas is what StreetSmart is all about, and we’re thrilled to have so many restaurants already taking part.
Emily Sergeant -
30th November 2023 
