Most parents unaware of extra childcare for toddlers

TWO thirds of parents are unaware that two-year-olds could be eligible for 15 hours of free childcare from this week, a survey has found.

Rishi Sunak’s expansion of free childcare begins today, with working parents of two-year-olds able to claim for 15 hours, expanding to working parents of all children older than nine months from September.

The extension of free childcare aims to keep people in work after having children, with many parents forced to quit their jobs amid the mounting costs of nursery fees. Those earning above £100,000 are ineligible for the scheme.

However, a survey has revealed that despite the Government insisting this is the boldest ever plan to tackle the issue, the majority of parents are unaware that the scheme exists.

A poll from Ipsos has found that a significant majority (70 per cent) of Britons have heard “not that much” or “nothing at all” about the childcare policy.

Furthermore, 65 per cent of parents of children aged up to five are also unaware. The survey also found that half of the British public (52 per cent) believe that it is difficult to secure affordable childcare, and 44 per cent of adults do not expect this to improve under the Prime Minister’s plans.

Trinh Tu, managing director of public affairs at Ipsos, said: “Rishi Sunak’s expansion of free childcare in the UK marks a significant moment, but public awareness remains low, particularly among parents of zero to five-year-olds.

“Although some anticipate improvements in affordability (37 per cent), a greater proportion (44 per cent) predict no change or even a deterioration.

“Similarly, the majority (57 per cent) do not expect the availability of childcare to improve. This shows that the public isn’t entirely convinced that the policy will effectively tackle the complex issues associated with childcare.”

Last week, Gillian Keegan, the Education Secretary, said she was confident that the Government would deliver the expansion of free childcare.

However, childcare providers have raised concerns that they do not have the capacity or staff to deliver the funded hours.