Written Question·Department for Education·UIN 103924

Childcare: Finance

Tabled: 7 January 2026

Answered: 26 January 2026

Question

Liz Jarvis

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions she has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the potential merits of increasing the 3- and 4-year-old childcare funded hours rate.

Answer

Olivia Bailey

The department will provide over £9.5 billion for the early years entitlements in 2026/27. This will fund a full year of the expanded entitlements and an above inflation increase to funding rates. This increase ensures funding for the entitlements reflect...

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