Thousands of local families across the Dudley borough take advantage of free childcare hours for their three and four year olds.

All three and four year olds are entitled to a universal 15 hours of free childcare and this is currently being accessed by 96 percent of the borough’s three year old and four year old population.

The national 30 hour scheme, which launched in September 2017 to support working parents, has also proved popular, with 85 per cent of those who applied for the additional hours accessing a place for their child.

Working parents in the borough sign up to enable them to continue to work or increase their working hours and give their children vital social skills by interacting with other youngsters. Councillor Sue Ridney cabinet member for children’s services, said:

"Thousands of families across the borough have signed up to free childcare schemes which is fantastic to see. The 30 hour scheme in particular allows parents to continue working while giving their children the chance to interact with other youngsters and develop vital social skills.

"In Dudley the number of children benefitting from free childcare is generally higher than the national average, emphasising the importance Dudley parents put on balancing both work and family life. I would encourage parents to find out more about the schemes available to support them."

To find out more about free childcare for three and four year olds, you can visit the Dudley Council website. To find out about all government schemes available to support parents with childcare costs visit childcarechoices.gov.uk.