Policy Threads

2025

2 events

10 Dec 2025 | Statutory Instrument linked

The Childcare (Free of Charge for Working Parents) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

These Regulations, which come into force on 31st December 2025, amend the Childcare (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Inspection Outcomes) Regulations 2025 (S.I. 2025/1261) (the “principal Regulations”) to correct a drafting error in regulation 5(4) of those Regulations before they come into force …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

3 Dec 2025 | Statutory Instrument linked

The Childcare (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Inspection Outcomes) (England) Regulations 2025

These Regulations amend four instruments relating to childcare and early years provision in England. The changes are made in consequence of changes to inspection grades made by the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (‘Ofsted’), and to …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

2024

7 events

29 Nov 2024 | Statutory Instrument linked

The Local Authority (Duty to Secure Early Years Provision Free of Charge) and Childcare (Free of Charge for Working Parents) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2024

These Regulations amend the Local Authority (Duty to Secure Early Years Provision Free of Charge) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/2147) (the “2014 Regulations”) and the Childcare (Free of Charge for Working Parents) (England) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1134) (the “2022 Regulations”), which …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

29 Nov 2024 | Statutory Instrument linked

The Local Authority (Duty to Secure Early Years Provision Free of Charge) and Childcare (Free of Charge for Working Parents) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2024

These Regulations amend the Local Authority (Duty to Secure Early Years Provision Free of Charge) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/2147) (the “2014 Regulations”) and the Childcare (Free of Charge for Working Parents) (England) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1134) (the “2022 Regulations”), which …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

19 Apr 2024 | Policy paper Department for Education linked

Early education entitlements and funding update: March 2023

In response to: Early education entitlements and funding

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

19 Apr 2024 | Statutory Instrument linked

The Childcare (Free of Charge for Working Parents) (England) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2024

These Regulations amend the Childcare (Free of Charge for Working Parents) (England) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1134) (the “Principal Regulations”).

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

19 Apr 2024 | Policy paper Department for Education linked

Early education entitlements and funding

Information about the 2023 Spring Budget announcement on early years entitlements and associated funding.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Childminder start-up grants scheme update: Sept…

+3 more

↓ Childminder start-up grants scheme update: April 2023 ↓ Early education entitlements and funding update: March 2023 ↓ Spring Budget 2023 childcare expansion: policy costing info… (14pp)

18 Mar 2024 | Statutory Instrument linked

The Childcare (Free of Charge for Working Parents) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2024

These Regulations amend the Childcare (Free of Charge for Working Parents) (England) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1134) (the “Principal Regulations”).

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

18 Mar 2024 | Statutory Instrument linked

The Childcare (Free of Charge for Working Parents) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2024

These Regulations amend the Childcare (Free of Charge for Working Parents) (England) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1134) (the “Principal Regulations”).

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

2023

6 events

8 Dec 2023 | Statutory Instrument linked

The Childcare (Free of Charge for Working Parents) (England) (Amendment and Transitional Provision) Regulations 2023

These Regulations amend the Childcare (Free of Charge for Working Parents) (England) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1134) (“the 2022 Regulations”).

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

29 Nov 2023 | Consultation outcome Department for Education linked

Early years funding – extension of the entitlements — outcome published

We are seeking views on proposals regarding our approach to funding for early years entitlements for 2-year-olds and under from April 2024.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Early years funding – extension of the entitlem… (42pp)

8 Sep 2023 | Consultation outcome Department for Education linked

Early years funding – extension of the entitlements — consultation closed

We are seeking views on proposals regarding our approach to funding for early years entitlements for 2-year-olds and under from April 2024.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Early years funding – extension of the entitlem… (42pp)

21 Jul 2023 | Consultation outcome Department for Education linked

Early years funding – extension of the entitlements — consultation opened

We are seeking views on proposals regarding our approach to funding for early years entitlements for 2-year-olds and under from April 2024.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Early years funding – extension of the entitlem… (42pp)

3 Jan 2023 | Statutory Instrument linked

The Childcare (Free of Charge for Working Parents) (England) Regulations 2022

These Regulations secure that childcare is available free of charge for qualifying children of working parents.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

3 Jan 2023 | Statutory Instrument linked

The Childcare (Free of Charge for Working Parents) (England) Regulations 2022

These Regulations secure that childcare is available free of charge for qualifying children of working parents.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

2022

8 events

16 Dec 2022 | Consultation outcome Department for Education linked

outcome published

We are seeking views on proposed updates to the early years funding formulae, and maintained nursery school supplementary funding.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Early years funding formulae: government consul… (35pp)

16 Sep 2022 | Consultation outcome Department for Education linked

consultation closed

We are seeking views on proposed updates to the early years funding formulae, and maintained nursery school supplementary funding.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Early years funding formulae: government consul… (35pp)

25 Aug 2022 | Consultation outcome Department for Education linked

Free early education for 2-year-olds with no recourse to public funds (NRPF) — outcome published

We're seeking views on changes to the eligibility criteria for the free early education entitlement for disadvantaged 2-year-olds.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Free early education for 2-year-olds with no re… (21pp)

4 Jul 2022 | Consultation outcome Department for Education linked

consultation opened

We are seeking views on proposed updates to the early years funding formulae, and maintained nursery school supplementary funding.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Early years funding formulae: government consul… (35pp)

21 May 2022 | Consultation outcome Department for Education linked

Free early education for 2-year-olds with no recourse to public funds (NRPF) — consultation closed

We're seeking views on changes to the eligibility criteria for the free early education entitlement for disadvantaged 2-year-olds.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Free early education for 2-year-olds with no re… (21pp)

20 May 2022 | Consultation (closed) Department for Education linked

Free early education for disadvantaged 2-year-olds: eligibility for NRPF — consultation closed

We're seeking views on changes to the eligibility criteria for the free early education entitlement for disadvantaged 2-year-olds from households who have no recourse to public funds (NRPF).

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

25 Mar 2022 | Consultation outcome Department for Education linked

Free early education for 2-year-olds with no recourse to public funds (NRPF) — consultation opened

We're seeking views on changes to the eligibility criteria for the free early education entitlement for disadvantaged 2-year-olds.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Free early education for 2-year-olds with no re… (21pp)

25 Mar 2022 | Consultation (closed) Department for Education linked

Free early education for disadvantaged 2-year-olds: eligibility for NRPF — consultation opened

We're seeking views on changes to the eligibility criteria for the free early education entitlement for disadvantaged 2-year-olds from households who have no recourse to public funds (NRPF).

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

2021

1 event

29 Oct 2021 | Bill stage linked

Childcare Bill

Second Reading 11:32:00 Matt Rodda (Reading East) (Lab): I beg to move, That the Bill be now read a Second time. Before I start, may I thank the Clerks and the Whips who have helped me to get to this …

▤ View Bill · ↗ Parliament

2020

3 events

11 Dec 2020 | Statutory Instrument linked

The Tax Credits, Childcare Payments and Childcare (Extended Entitlement) (Coronavirus and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2020

These Regulations amend a number of statutory instruments in relation to tax credits (social security benefits), childcare payments and the Department for Education’s early years extended entitlement scheme (all of which are administered by the Commissioners for Revenue and Customs). …

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10 Jul 2020 | Statutory Instrument linked

The Childcare (Early Years Provision Free of Charge) (Extended Entitlement) (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 (revoked)

These Regulations amend the Childcare (Early Years Provision Free of Charge) (Extended Entitlement) Regulations 2016 (“the 2016 Regulations”) which set out detailed requirements that a person must satisfy in order to receive free childcare for children of working parents in …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

17 Mar 2020 | Consultation outcome Department for Education linked

Early years childcare fees regulations — outcome published

We're seeking views on proposed changes to early years fees paid to Ofsted, and on the principles that should underpin a revised fee model.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Early years childcare fees regulations: governm… (13pp)

2019

2 events

9 Oct 2019 | Consultation outcome Department for Education linked

Early years childcare fees regulations — consultation closed

We're seeking views on proposed changes to early years fees paid to Ofsted, and on the principles that should underpin a revised fee model.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Early years childcare fees regulations: governm… (13pp)

18 Jul 2019 | Consultation outcome Department for Education linked

Early years childcare fees regulations — consultation opened

We're seeking views on proposed changes to early years fees paid to Ofsted, and on the principles that should underpin a revised fee model.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Early years childcare fees regulations: governm… (13pp)

2018

5 events

20 Dec 2018 | Consultation outcome Department for Education linked

Surveys on childcare and early years in England — outcome published

This consultation seeks user perspectives on 2 surveys released as official statistics on childcare and early years provision in England.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Surveys on childcare and early years in England (18pp)

18 May 2018 | Consultation outcome Department for Education linked

Surveys on childcare and early years in England — consultation closed

This consultation seeks user perspectives on 2 surveys released as official statistics on childcare and early years provision in England.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Surveys on childcare and early years in England (18pp)

29 Mar 2018 | Consultation outcome Department for Education linked

Surveys on childcare and early years in England — consultation opened

This consultation seeks user perspectives on 2 surveys released as official statistics on childcare and early years provision in England.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Surveys on childcare and early years in England (18pp)

7 Feb 2018 | Consultation outcome Department for Education linked

Free early years entitlement for 2 year olds under Universal Credit — outcome published

We are inviting views on our proposals for the free early years entitlement for 2 year olds under Universal Credit.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Consultation document - two-year-old entitlemen…

+1 more

↓ Equality Analysis - two-year-old entitlement under Universa…

15 Jan 2018 | Consultation outcome Department for Education linked

Free early years entitlement for 2 year olds under Universal Credit — consultation closed

We are inviting views on our proposals for the free early years entitlement for 2 year olds under Universal Credit.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Consultation document - two-year-old entitlemen…

+1 more

↓ Equality Analysis - two-year-old entitlement under Universa…

2017

2 events

4 Dec 2017 | Consultation outcome Department for Education linked

Free early years entitlement for 2 year olds under Universal Credit — consultation opened

We are inviting views on our proposals for the free early years entitlement for 2 year olds under Universal Credit.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Consultation document - two-year-old entitlemen…

+1 more

↓ Equality Analysis - two-year-old entitlement under Universa…

10 Nov 2017 | Policy paper Department for Education linked

Supporting early years providers to run sustainable businesses

A summary of the support given to early years providers to help them run sustainable and successful businesses.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Supporting early years providers to run sustain…

2016

7 events

12 Dec 2016 | Consultation outcome Department for Education linked

Early years funding: changes to funding for 3- and 4-year-olds — outcome published

We seek views on changes to how we fund free childcare and early education for 3- and 4-year-olds, including a new national funding formula.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Early years funding: government consultation re… (40pp)

1 Dec 2016 | Impact assessment Department for Education linked

Early years national funding formula: equalities impact assessment

Analysis of the effect that changes to funding for childcare and early education will have on specific protected groups.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Early years national funding formula: equalitie… (14pp)

5 Nov 2016 | Consultation outcome Department for Education linked

30-hour free childcare entitlement — outcome published

We invite views on how we should provide an extended entitlement of up to 30 hours' free childcare for working parents of 3- and 4-year-olds.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ 30-hour free childcare entitlement: delivery mo… (65pp)

22 Sep 2016 | Consultation outcome Department for Education linked

Early years funding: changes to funding for 3- and 4-year-olds — consultation closed

We seek views on changes to how we fund free childcare and early education for 3- and 4-year-olds, including a new national funding formula.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Early years funding: government consultation re… (40pp)

11 Aug 2016 | Consultation outcome Department for Education linked

Early years funding: changes to funding for 3- and 4-year-olds — consultation opened

We seek views on changes to how we fund free childcare and early education for 3- and 4-year-olds, including a new national funding formula.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Early years funding: government consultation re… (40pp)

8 Jun 2016 | Consultation outcome Department for Education linked

30-hour free childcare entitlement — consultation closed

We invite views on how we should provide an extended entitlement of up to 30 hours' free childcare for working parents of 3- and 4-year-olds.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ 30-hour free childcare entitlement: delivery mo… (65pp)

3 Apr 2016 | Consultation outcome Department for Education linked

30-hour free childcare entitlement — consultation opened

We invite views on how we should provide an extended entitlement of up to 30 hours' free childcare for working parents of 3- and 4-year-olds.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ 30-hour free childcare entitlement: delivery mo… (65pp)

2015

1 event

8 May 2015 | Policy paper Department for Education HM Treasury linked

2010 to 2015 government policy: childcare and early education

How the government is making childcare and early education accessible to more children to give them the best possible start.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ 2010 to 2015 government policy: childcare and e…