REDDITCH MP Rachel Maclean has visited a nursery in the town to discuss the Government’s childcare reforms.
Earlier this month, Mrs Maclean visited Noah’s Ark Nursery in Matchborough where she was taken on a tour of the childcare provider’s facilities.
The Government expanded the support on offer by providing 30 hours a week of free childcare for 38 weeks-a-year for eligible working parents of children aged between nine months and three years.
These reforms, which aim to remove barriers to work for over 400,000 parents, will be rolled out in phases from this month and are in addition to the 30 hours-a-week already provided for eligible working parents of three to four-year-olds.
Mrs Maclean said: “As a mother four of myself, I know just how transformational the largest ever expansion of childcare will be for working families in Redditch and the villages.
“Having raised the concerns of childcare providers in Redditch, I’m pleased the Chancellor has listened and has confirmed the hourly rate providers are paid to deliver the free hours offers will increase.
“The cost of childcare can be a real struggle for parents and can become a barrier to work, which is why this Government is ensuring childcare is truly affordable and available when and where parents need it.”
Visit childcarechoices.gov.uk for more information.
