Free nursery care doesn’t apply to 58%
MORE than half a million children fail to qualify for the flagship Tory “30 hours’ free childcare” scheme.
Labour branded it “unfair” after ministers said 58% of three and four year olds do not benefit.
The policy aimed at “all working parents” was a key 2015 Tory election boast.
But parents must work at least 16 hours a week to qualify, barring many parttime and zero-hour staff.
Education Minister Nadhim Zahawi’s figures mean 540,000 children are affected. “We estimate 58% are not eligible,” he said.
Shadow Early Years Minister Tracy Brabin said: “Many children missing out would benefit most.”
Tory MP Nicky Morgan, said many parents training for work are also excluded.