Estimates suggest nearly a third of parents who have applied for funded childcare do not go on to use it – meaning they are missing out on support they are entitled to.
Parents of children aged from 9 months to 2 years old are now able to claim up at least 15 hours of funded childcare per week, for 1,140 hours or 38 weeks a year, at an approved provider – while parents of children aged 3 and 4 can claim 30 hours per week.
To qualify, each parent must earn at least the equivalent of 16 hours per week at national minimum or living wage, and have an income of less than £100,000 per year.
To find out more, including how to apply for support with childcare costs, please visit the Childcare Choices website. Eligibility must be renewed every 3 months.
Parents who have received codes but don't know where or how to use them are encouraged to contact the City of Wolverhampton Council's Early Years team via early.years@wolverhampton.gov.uk for help and support.
Alison Hinds, the council's Director of Children's Services, said: “Every year hundreds of families in Wolverhampton benefit from funded childcare schemes at participating nurseries, schools and childminders around the city.
“Accessing early education gives your child the chance to learn, play and make new friends and the opportunity to develop and master new skills. It supports them as they prepare for school by helping them to communicate, explore new experiences, be active and healthy – and of course, it also helps working parents juggle careers and childcare.
"However, we have found that some of our parents and carers have applied for funded childcare but, for whatever reason, are not making use of their codes to access it. If you find yourselves in this position, please contact our Early Years team for advice.
“Meanwhile, I would encourage working parents who are not yet accessing funded childcare to find out more, and sign up at Childcare Choices if they are eligible."
