Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps are being taken to improve access to affordable childcare.

Education is a devolved matter and the response outlines the information for England only.

Through our Best Start in Life Strategy, we are ensuring that families across the country can access affordable high-quality early education.

In 2026/27, we are expecting to provide over £9.5 billion for the early years entitlements, as we have successfully rolled-out the expansion of government-funded childcare for working parents. Eligible working parents of children aged 9 months and above can now access 30 hours a week (over 38 weeks a year) from the term following their child turning 9 months to when they start school. Families using their full entitlement can save an average of £8,000 per eligible child per year.

Tax-Free Childcare remains available for working parents of children aged 0 to 11, or up to 17 for eligible disabled children. This can save parents up to £2,000 per year, or up to £4,000 for eligible children with disabilities, and has the same income criteria as 30 hours of government-funded childcare.

In addition to childcare entitlements, the Universal Credit childcare offer supports claimants with the costs of qualifying childcare, regardless of how many hours they work.