Question to the Department for Education:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to increase the amount of subsidised childcare for children aged between three and four years old from 570 to 720 hours per year to cover the duration of school holidays

All three and four year olds in England are eligible for 15 hours per week of free early education over 38 weeks, equivalent to 570 hours per year. This entitlement can be used at a range of early years providers, including over the school holidays. Working parents who earn at least the equivalent of 16 hours a week at National Minimum/Living Wage and under £100,000 per year can claim an additional 15 hours, also known as 30 hours free childcare. The government currently has no plans to extend these schemes.

Outside of the free early education entitlements, working parents can benefit from the Tax-Free Childcare scheme, which can help them save 20% of their childcare costs, worth up to £2,000 per year for children under 12, or up to £4,000 for those under 17 if their child is disabled.

Working parents on a low income can also benefit from up to 85% of their childcare costs being reimbursed through Universal Credit Childcare, up to a total of £646 for one child, or up to £1,108 for two or more children.