Working parents will be entitled to 15 hours free childcare for two-year-olds from next year

The government has extended free childcare hours to working parents of two-year olds but it won’t be automatic so make sure you don’t miss out

toddler finger painting
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Parents of two-year olds are set for extra support with rising childcare costs from the new year.

The cost of childcare is a major barrier for parents when managing work and also if trying to get a mortgage and while working parents can get 30 hours of free childcare per week, this currently only applies to three and four-year olds.

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Marc Shoffman
Contributing editor

Marc Shoffman is an award-winning freelance journalist specialising in business, personal finance and property. His work has appeared in print and online publications ranging from FT Business to The Times, Mail on Sunday and the i newspaper. He also co-presents the In For A Penny financial planning podcast.