Nursery World - Labour sets out universal childcare plans

Labour has released more details of how it would offer 30-hour childcare to all two- to four-year-olds - 1.3m children - and reverse children’s centre cuts.

The proposals include a pledge to allocate £2.7 billion of capital investment over the next parliament to ensure that places exist to meet demand.

The party says it will transition to a new supply-side funding model with direct Government subsidy.

By 2020 Labour would extend the 30 hours to all parents of three- and four-year-olds, not just those in work, which it says would benefit an extra 626,739 extra children, on top of the 390,000 who would currently qualify.

It would also extend the two-year-old 15-hour offer to all twos, which it says would benefit 409,578 extra children, by 2021.

Labour says that it estimates that its plans would cost an extra £5bn a year by the end of the parliament.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included