MP's support for free child care figures

Blackpool North and Cleveleys MP Paul Maynard has welcomed new figures that showed thousands of children are benefiting from free childcare offers in Blackpool and Lancashire.
Blackpool North and Cleveleys MP Paul MaynardBlackpool North and Cleveleys MP Paul Maynard
Blackpool North and Cleveleys MP Paul Maynard

Some 9,201 children in the area have been cared for under the government’s 30 hours free childcare offer, according to figures released by the Department for Education.

Mr Maynard said: “For many parents, being able to afford good-quality childcare is essential to working and supporting their families.

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“It’s not just an issue, but the issue, and I know from speaking with families in Blackpool and Lancashire what a difference 30 free hours is making.

“Reliable childcare gives parents peace of mind and makes day to day life that bit easier.

“We want to help people with the cost of living. That’s why this government is spending more money on childcare than ever before, helping parents to balance their home and working lives while ensuring more children get the best possible start in life.”

The offer, which launched nationally on September 1 last year, was used by more than 200,000 children in total during its first term. There are now nearly 300, 000 children in 30 hours places in England.