Michael Gove, MP for Surrey Heath, has welcomed the news that childcare providers in Surrey Heath will receive a 10.2% increase to their hourly childcare payments for children aged three to four and a 42.5% increase to the hourly rate for two-year-olds.
Through a new standalone top-up grant called the Early Years Supplementary Grant (EYSG), local authorities will receive this funding, representing a total of additional £204 million in funding for childcare providers.
It will take the average rate paid for places for three and four-year-olds from its current £5.29 per hour to £5.65 per hour, and take the average rate paid for places for two-year-olds from its current £6.00 per hour to £7.95 per hour.
This funding boost is vital to support the sector as the Conservative Government rolls out record reforms across childcare services, including 30 hours free childcare to all under four children by 2025.
As more families can rely on affordable childcare, parents will be able to take up more work and help grow the economy.
Commenting, Michael said:
“Supporting and expanding our childcare sector means more parents can return to work or progress in the workplace.
“Therefore, it’s great news that Surrey Heath providers will see their hourly payments increase for the children they look after. Providers will now receive 10.2% more funding per hour for children aged between three and four years old and 42.5% for children aged two years old.
“The Conservatives are rightly making sure more parents can rely on affordable childcare, allowing them to take up more work and help grow the economy.”
Commenting on 7 July, Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said:
“Today is a great step forward as we deliver on the largest ever expansion of childcare which will be transformational for working families and will help grow our economy.
“I want childcare to be truly affordable and available when and where parents need it.
“This initial investment of over £200 million will go a long way in supporting the fantastic early years sector to prepare for the expansion of free childcare hours available to parents next year.”
