News and communications

Government publishes new data showing 195,355 children benefitting from government-funded childcare for 2-year-olds in successful April launch.

• Updated: 19 April 2024

First phase of the biggest ever expansion of childcare starts giving working parents of 2-year-olds access to 15 hours a week.

• Updated: 1 April 2024

A new government campaign will be launched to support parents as research highlights some are unaware their baby's mental health impacts their early development.

• Updated: 22 March 2024

Places boosted even further with new measures to support childminders, and funding rates confirmed for all childcare providers ahead of historic rollout.

• Updated: 15 March 2024

Brand new recruitment campaign for early years workers launches today across TV, cinema, online, radio and out of home advertising.

• Updated: 2 February 2024

Child Benefit claims can be made online for the first time.

• Updated: 3 January 2024

Applications open on 2nd January for the first wave of new government-funded childcare offers.

• Updated: 29 November 2023

Working families can save up to £2,000 a year on their childcare bills with Tax-Free Childcare.

• Updated: 10 October 2023

Ofsted has today published the second part in its series of research reviews drawing on a range of research relating to early years education.

• Updated: 8 September 2023

Nurseries and childminders across the country will be paid more from today for every government-funded hour they provide to parents.

• Updated: 1 September 2023

With the new school term starting, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding families to open a Tax-Free Childcare account today to save up to £2,000 per child on their yearly childcare bills.

• Updated: 30 August 2023

Minister Coutinho writes to housing associations, social landlords and developers to urge them to allow childminders to work from their rented properties.

• Updated: 21 August 2023

Largest ever expansion of free childcare in England backed by fair funding for all age groups

• Updated: 21 July 2023

£204 million cash boost given to nurseries to support the expansion of childcare places

• Updated: 7 July 2023

A local charity providing vital support in Copeland has seen its outdoor play area transformed thanks to Sellafield Ltd, Mitie and a host of other suppliers.

• Updated: 3 July 2023

Ofsted has today published a report exploring early years provision in an international context.

• Updated: 20 June 2023

Minister for Children, Families and Wellbeing, Claire Coutinho, delivered a speech to the National Day Nurseries Association Conference (NDNA) 2023.

• Updated: 9 June 2023

Universal Credit’s maximum childcare payments will rise nearly 50% – up to £1,630 per month – from 28 June.

• Updated: 30 May 2023

Millions of people will benefit from specific support to look for work, acquire new skills and progress into better-paid jobs.

• Updated: 3 April 2023

All supported accommodation providers for looked after 16- and 17-year-olds will be required to register with Ofsted and meet standards from October 2023

• Updated: 23 March 2023