Deadline Approaches To Apply For Childcare Funding

Eligible parents and carers across Harborough have until Saturday to apply for free childcare during the autumn term.

For the first time children as young as nine months old will qualify under new government rules.

You usually get either ‘15 or 30 hours’ per term-time week (a total of 570 or 1,140 hours per year) free childcare if you (and your partner, if you have one) are in work, on sick or annual leave or on shared parental, maternity, paternity or adoption leave

You may also still be eligible if your partner is working, and you are on carer’s leave or receive certain benefits.

Deborah Taylor, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for children and families, said: “It is fantastic that many families with children aged from nine months are now able to benefit from this additional funded childcare.

“We urge parents and carers across Leicestershire to use the resources available to their advantage as we know that the continued rising of the cost of living has caused a lot of additional hardship for some.

“And taking up the funded hours can also help your child learn and socialise through playing with their friends, as well as helping them get ready for school.”

Check eligibility and apply by visiting www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

To find a childminder, nursery, pre-school or other early years provider in Leicestershire, visit: www.leicestershire.gov.uk/find-a-childcare-provider