Launched at the start of September, it is the latest step in the roll out of Government funded childcare.
And it means that all eligible parents of children aged from 9 months to 4 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 – as eligible parents of children aged 3 and 4 can already 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.
People in receipt of certain benefits are also eligible for 15 hours of funded childcare for 2 year olds, known as Terrific for Twos in Wolverhampton.
A further change is due to be rolled out in September 2025, when eligible working parents of all children from the age of 9 months to school age will be able to claim 30 hours of funded childcare per week.
Meanwhile, eligible working parents and carers with children aged 11 or under can get up to £2,000 per child each year towards their childcare costs, or up to £4,000 for children with a disability aged 16 or under, though the tax free childcare scheme.
To find out more, including how to apply for support with childcare costs, please visit the Childcare Choices website.
Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, 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.
“I would encourage working parents to find out more about the expansion of funded childcare and to sign up if they are eligible.”