CHILDCARE providers in Warrington are set to receive a 6.9% increase to their hourly childcare payments for children aged three to four, alongside a 32.4% increase to the hourly rate for two-year olds.
Through a new standalone top-up grant called the Early Years Supplementary Grant (EYSG), local authorities will receive this funding, representing a total of additional £204 million in funding for childcare providers.
It will take the average rate paid for places for three and four-year-olds from its current £5.29 per hour to £5.65 per hour, and take the average rate paid for places for two-year-olds from its current £6.00 per hour to £7.95 per hour.
The funding boost has been welcomed by Warrington South’s Member of Parliament, Andy Carter, and comes as the Government rolls out other reforms across childcare services including 30 hours free childcare to all under four children by 2025.
Andy Carter MP commented: “I know how important it is to parents here in Warrington South that they’re able to access well-funded, affordable childcare services. Supporting and expanding the childcare sector means more parents will be able to return to work or progress in the workplace.
“So I’m delighted to see that Warrington’s childcare providers will be getting this increase to their hourly payments for the children they look after. Those who work in the childcare sector play a huge part in making supporting working parents and, consequently, helping grow the economy.”
The Secretary of State for Education, Gillian Keegan MP commented: “Today is a great step forward as we deliver on the largest ever expansion of childcare which will be transformational for working families and will help grow our economy.
“I want childcare to be truly affordable and available when and where parents need it. This initial investment of over £200 million will go a long way in supporting the fantastic early years sector to prepare for the expansion of free childcare hours available to parents next year.”
