Petition · past parliament · Department for Education
Allow childminders to claim ‘free hours’ for related children
Closed
1,622 signatures
What the petition asks
Childminders who care for their own children, or those related to them, are unable to claim the 15 free hours’ funding which is universally available to all 3 to 4-year-olds in England. Childminders must therefore send their child to another childcare setting or miss out on this financial assistance
Sending children to a second childcare provider would go against current government guidance and would put minded families at increased risk.
Covid-19 has put many childminders in enormous financial difficulty, which is set to continue as parents are cautious or financially unable to resume childcare.
Allowing childminders to claim funded hours to safely care for related children at home would offer much needed financial support; benefiting all children and the viability of childcare providers
Covid-19 has put many childminders in enormous financial difficulty, which is set to continue as parents are cautious or financially unable to resume childcare.
Allowing childminders to claim funded hours to safely care for related children at home would offer much needed financial support; benefiting all children and the viability of childcare providers
Timeline
| 4 Sep 2020 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 4 Mar 2021 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
1,622
Status
Closed
Department
Department for Education
Opened
4 Sep 2020
Closed
4 Mar 2021
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.