The government’s proposal to offer 30 hours free childcare for three and four year olds in 2016 is now under investigation following questions over funding availability. 30 hours free childcare will now only come into play once a full funding analysis has been passed through parliament.

The current 15 hours free childcare is already stretch for childcare providers and the process of doubling the free hours will make it more difficult to provide additional spaces. With the combination of the National Living Wage and 30 hours free childcare, there are concerns that without a joined up solution, childcare providers are at financial risk.

Finding an adequate solution will benefit both parents and childcare providers, but what can working parents do in the meantime to help cut down their childcare costs?

15 hours free childcare is still available for all 3 and 4 year olds in England, with additional access for some 2 year olds under certain circumstances. If parents use more than the 15 hours, they can use Childcare Vouchers during the new policy’s investigation.

Childcare Vouchers allow each parent to save up to £933 per year on their childcare costs. To get the maximum savings using Childcare Vouchers, parents are only required to spend £2,916 each year on childcare. Both parents can access the scheme, potentially doubling their savings to more than £1,800.

Following the news of the investigation into 30 hours free childcare, now is the time to urge those employers not offering a scheme to do so.

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