Childcare providers are to benefit from an increase in their hourly pay after a funding from the government.

Childcare providers will receive a 6.1 per cent increase to their hourly childcare payments for children aged three to four and a 30 per cent increase to the hourly rate for two-year-olds.

Through a 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.

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The average rate paid for three- and four-year-olds is currently £5.29 per hour which will increase to £5.65 per hour.

The average paid rate for two-year-olds is currently £6 per hour which will increase to £7.95 per hour.

As more families can rely on affordable childcare, parents will be able to take up more work and help grow the economy.

 

Bury North MP James Daly 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 Bury will see their hourly payments increase for the children they look after.

“Providers will now receive 6.1 per cent more funding per hour for children aged between three and four years old and 30 per cent 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.”

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The 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.”

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