People and communities
Parents in Walsall encouraged to apply for new childcare scheme before Easter bank holiday
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Parents in Walsall are strongly encouraged to apply for and share their childcare code with their chosen childcare provider ahead of Easter bank holiday weekend.
This forms part of the national government early years expansion programme which starts next week.
From 1 April 2024, eligible working families of two-year-old children will be entitled to receive financial support with childcare the term after their child’s second birthday.
The changes are part of a national government childcare expansion programme called Childcare Choices, with upcoming changes and eligibility criteria explained on the Council Website
As part of the rollout programme, parents can check their eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk. If they are eligible, they will be able to apply for a code which can be taken to chosen childcare provider to validate. Providers will then process the code, to offer their child a place within their childcare setting.
Parents are encouraged to share their code with their preferred provider by 31 March 2024, ahead of the Easter bank holiday weekend.
“ If parents have not already validated their childcare code and passed it onto their preferred childcare provider, we’d encourage you do so before this weekend’s bank holidays.
Parents in the borough will know that the expansion programme starts next week, from 1 April 2024, so getting ahead and organised will help streamline the process, and help local childcare providers with their planning.
If parents have not successfully applied for a code by 31 March 2024, they will not be able to use their codes until September 2024. This means childcare will not be funded by the new early year’s entitlements, and will have to be self-funded by parents, or alternatively, wait until September 2024 to receive the funded hours”.
Not only that, but the long weekend is a great opportunity to switch off and enjoy time with family and friends, so why not get something crossed off your to-do list so you don’t forget “
You can find out more about how to get your code, and the process here: https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2024/03/15/how-to-claim-15-hours-free-childcare-code/
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Notes to editors
The Childcare Choices website outlines information for parents/carers and providers about the upcoming changes to childcare costs.
This includes what support is available for different age groups of children, for working families and for families who currently receive additional government support.
You can access the website here https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/
Information is also available on the Walsall Family Information Service website, which include Frequently Asked Questions sections:
https://www.mywalsall.org/fis/Childcare-Choices-Parents/
Childcare Choices for providers
https://www.mywalsall.org/fis/Childcare-Choices-Providers/
Providers can also email EYandChildcareExpansion@walsall.gov.uk for any additional support.
