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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.”
National Lottery hunts for Tameside player who’s not claimed £1m winnings
Daisy Jackson
The hunt is on to find a National Lottery player in Tameside who’s won £1m – and not claimed it.
The missing millionaire won the huge prize on a Lotto ticket bought on Wednesday 1 July, somewhere in the Borough of Tameside.
But with just two months to go until the prize expires, the player has still not come forward to claim their winnings.
The winning numbers in were 5, 8, 26, 33, 39, 42 and the Bonus Ball was 54.
Now, the National Lottery is renewing its search for the millionaire, calling for the mystery winner to cash in their prize before it expires at midnight on 28 December.
National Lottery Senior Winners’ Advisor Andy Carter has been out in Tameside ‘hunting’ for the missing millionaire, visiting everywhere from Portland Basin to Hartshead Pike.
Andy said: “I’ve searched high and low across Tameside for our missing millionaire, but I’ve had no luck.
National Lottery hunts for Tameside player who’s not claimed £1m winnings. Credit: Anthony Devlin/Assignments/Press Association
“With just two months left to claim this £1 million prize, now is the time for anyone who bought a Lotto ticket in Tameside for the 1 July draw to have another look.
“The winning ticket could be tucked away somewhere completely ordinary, while its owner has absolutely no idea they are a millionaire.
“We’d love to find the person we’ve been looking for and turn this search into a celebration. So, if you bought a ticket in the area, dig it out, check those numbers and help us find Tameside’s missing millionaire. It could be you.”
With all National Lottery draws, players have 180 days from the day of the draw to claim their prize if they have the winning ticket. Anyone who has any queries or who believes they have the winning ticket for any of the National Lottery draws within the 180-day deadline should call the National Lottery Line on 0333 234 5050 or email [email protected].
Featured image: Supplied – Anthony Devlin/Assignments/Press Association
News
Public urged to call the police if they see this wanted man
Daisy Jackson
Cheshire Police are appealing for the public’s help in tracing a wanted man with links to Macclesfield and Alsager.
Joshua Wyatt, 34, is wanted on recall to prison, and officers are urging anyone who has seen him or knows of his whereabouts to come forward.
Wyatt is described as being 183cm (6ft) tall and of medium build, with a bald head and blue eyes.
Police believe he has links to both Macclesfield and Alsager.
Anyone who sees Wyatt or has information about where he may be is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 or report information via the force’s website.
Information should be provided quoting reference number 26000809013.
Emily Sergeant -
30th November 2023 
