Parents Urged to Apply as Labour Unlocks 30 Free Childcare Hours from September

Thousands more families eligible as South East Cornwall MP backs childcare expansion

Working parents in Cornwall are being encouraged to apply for the next stage of Labour’s childcare expansion, with applications opening today (12th May) for up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week starting this September.

The expansion is set to save eligible families up to £7,500 a year per child, with potential savings rising to £8,000 when combined with Labour’s school uniform cost cap and free breakfast club offer for primary-aged children.

What’s changing from September?

From today, families with children who will be 9 months old by 1st September 2025 can apply to access the increased hours of government-funded childcare.

This follows last September’s rollout of 15 funded hours for children aged 9 months and over. According to new data, 499,592 children are already benefitting from the scheme, which aims to make childcare more affordable and improve early education access.

Despite what the government describes as “delivery challenges” inherited from the previous Conservative administration, Labour says it is pressing ahead with its Plan for Change. The rollout includes hundreds of new school-based nurseries and an additional £2 billion in funding compared to last year to help existing providers recruit 35,000 new staff and deliver 70,000 extra childcare places by September.

MP backs support for working families

Anna Gelderd, Member of Parliament for South East Cornwall, said:

“I hear from families across South East Cornwall that childcare is too often inaccessible and unaffordable. I encourage families to come forward and take up the support being offered by Labour, as we seek to boost work choices for parents and life chances for children.

“With government-funded childcare, free breakfast clubs and cheaper uniform costs, Labour is putting thousands of pounds back in parents’ pockets.

“Children growing up in South East Cornwall deserve nothing less but the best start in life, that’s what our Plan for Change will deliver.”

Survey reveals impact on work choices

A recent government survey of parents using the 15-hour childcare support revealed a clear benefit to families and the wider economy. Among families earning between £20,000 and £40,000 a year, one in five parents said they had increased their working hours since the scheme began.

Looking ahead, 2,723 respondents said they plan to increase their childcare hours from September, and more than half (1,425) also plan to increase their working hours.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:

“Labour has a clear Plan for Change to break the unfair link between background and opportunity across this country, which starts by ensuring our children start school ready to learn.

“Early years is my number one priority, and making sure families are able to benefit from this rollout is a promise made, and promise kept. But this is just the beginning.”

Outdoor play in focus as consultation opens

Alongside the childcare expansion, Labour has launched a consultation looking at how nurseries could make better use of outdoor space for play and learning. While the current early years framework recognises outdoor play, it doesn’t count outdoor space towards the number of children providers can care for at any one time.

Seven in ten childcare providers said they would use outdoor space more if flexibility was introduced. The consultation aims to explore how gardens and play areas could be formally included in early learning space requirements.

Lydia Hopper, CEO of Grandir UK, said:

“At Grandir UK, we’ve actively champion free-flow outdoor play… Whether it’s running, climbing, or simply being outside, we know how much this benefits their physical health, builds confidence, and boosts their overall wellbeing.”

Strong support from parents and business leaders

Sophie Lovell, a parent from Nottingham, shared her experience with the current support:

“Having my child in formal childcare has provided wonderful opportunities for her to play, learn, and grow.

“As a parent, balancing everything can be overwhelming, but knowing your child is supported by trained professionals makes all the difference.”

Matthew Percival, Director of Future of Work and Skills at the CBI, added:

“Moving from 15 to 30 funded hours gives working families greater flexibility, helps employers access more of the talent they need to grow, and supports a more productive economy.”

Justine Roberts, Founder and CEO of Mumsnet, said:

“We’ve heard from countless women on Mumsnet pushed out of work by unaffordable childcare. This expansion of support is a major step in tackling that… giving parents, especially mothers, the freedom to stay in work if they choose.”

Families can check their eligibility and apply here for the 30 funded hours of childcare.