Petition · past parliament · Department for Education
Increase free childcare for working parents with children under school age
Closed
331 signatures
What the petition asks
To make childcare more affordable for working parents with children under school age. 15 hours free childcare should be made accessible to all working parents for a child aged between 39 weeks to 3 years, before a working parent is eligible to claim for 30 hours free childcare once a child turns 3
With the rise in cost of living from inflation, increased household bills, the Bank of England interest rate and subsequently increased mortgage rates, childcare has become financially inaccessible for working parents. Statutory maternity pay is paid up to 39 weeks, and thereafter only Tax-Free childcare applies (a maximum of £2,000 per year), for working parents, up to when a child turns 3 years. A local nursery costs £1,724 per month for full-time childcare, equating to £20,688 annually.
Timeline
| 28 Jun 2022 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 11 Jan 2023 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
331
Status
Closed
Department
Department for Education
Opened
28 Jun 2022
Closed
11 Jan 2023
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.