Written questions

Childcare

Commons · Question 38303 · Tabled 13 Mar 2025 · Department for Education · Official record

Answered 29 Mar 2025

Question

Asked by Zöe Franklin

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, for what reason eligibility dates for free childcare provision are set from 1 April rather than aligning with the tax year ending on 5 April; and if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of the el

Answer

Answered by Stephen Morgan, 29 Mar 2025

The entitlements work on a termly basis, so children become eligible from the term after they reach the relevant age and/or after they or their parents meet the eligibility criteria. Terms begin on 1 September, 1 January or 1 April. Therefore, depending o...