Polly has hailed the introduction of 30 hours of government-funded childcare each week from September 2025. Speaking as the policy was launched, she said:

One of the most powerful ways Labour is supporting people is by tackling the cost of living for young families. From this month, most working parents of two-year-olds will be able to access 30 hours of government-funded childcare each week, and by next year, the scheme will expand to cover children as young as nine months. For many families, this will save them £7,500 per child annually, not just putting money back in their pockets but allowing them to work more hours without the crippling worry of childcare costs.

 

This is the kind of help that doesn’t just benefit individual families, but all of us – in better childhood outcomes and the benefits to the economy of more people in work.

 

Our childcare plans are part of a wider package that aims to give every family the support they need to thrive. We are capping school uniform costs, rolling out free breakfast clubs in primary schools, extending free school meals to all children with a parent on Universal Credit, putting a new one-stop Best Start family hub in every community, and introducing more school-based nurseries. That’s help with the cost-of-living, support with childcare to help families juggle their busy lives, and easy-to-access government services at the heart of every community, all under one roof. These aren’t quick fixes, but lasting changes that will help young families thrive.