DFE Press release: Working parents set to save £7,500 a year as government will cover 30 hours of childcare next month, setting kids up to achieve more in school.
Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, said:
Giving every child the Best Start in Life is my number one priority, which is why we are delivering on our commitment to provide hundreds of thousands of children with 30 hours government-funded early education.
Whether it’s to save up to £7,500 a year, support parents to get back to work or reduce the pressure on grandparents who so often have to step in, the benefits are widespread.
The offer is just around the corner, and so I’m urging every eligible parent who wants it, to take it up.
Read the Press release here: Parents to save thousands in government cost of living support
Published 28th August 2025.
This big push to support families and children begins with two major initiatives. The first is a significant expansion of government-funded early education, which provides 30 hours of free childcare per week for children as young as nine months. The second is a three-year extension of the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, which offers free meals and enriching activities to children from lower-income families during school breaks. Both of these programs aim to ease financial pressure on parents and, in turn, have a major positive impact on schools and the mental health of students.
Impact on Schools and Mental Health
These initiatives could have a huge ripple effect on schools and the well-being of young people. The early education expansion is designed to ensure more children are “school-ready” by the time they start reception class. A child who has had access to quality early education is more likely to be used to a structured environment, have developed social skills, and be ready to learn. This means teachers won’t have to spend as much time on foundational skills, allowing them to focus on more advanced learning and helping all students succeed. This not only benefits academic results but also creates a smoother transition into school, reducing anxiety and stress for young children.
The HAF programme tackles a different, but equally critical, issue: holiday hunger and inactivity. For many children, school provides not only an education but also a guaranteed nutritious meal and a safe place to be. When school breaks, this safety net disappears, and some families really struggle. The HAF program ensures that hundreds of thousands of children continue to receive a healthy meal and have access to fun, engaging activities during the holidays.
This support is crucial for mental health. Knowing they will have a meal and something to do lifts a huge weight off both children’s and parents’ shoulders. It helps prevent social isolation and boredom, which can negatively impact a child’s mood and confidence. By providing a consistent source of nutrition and activity, the program helps to prevent the “summer slide” in learning and keeps kids mentally and physically healthy.
Furthermore, both programs reduce financial stress on families. When parents are less worried about making ends meet, the home environment is often calmer and more stable. This stability is directly linked to a child’s mental well-being and their ability to focus on their schoolwork. By supporting families financially, these government schemes are investing in the foundational stability that allows children to thrive, both in and out of the classroom.
Supporting you with mental health and wellbeing at your setting
Don’t forget you can upgrade your membership at any time to access even more resources, information and toolkits to help you in your role: