More than half a million children are now receiving free childcare through a Government programme that delivers savings of up to £7,500 annually for families. Official data reveals 530,000 children are accessing 30 hours weekly of free childcare, surpassing the initial goal of 500,000 established when the rollout commenced at the beginning of September.

The scheme aims to alleviate the cost-of-living squeeze by cutting nursery expenses, which frequently consume an entire second salary, whilst simultaneously assisting parents in returning to employment. Uptake has proved robust nationwide, with nearly 92,000 youngsters covered across the South East and 78,000 throughout the North West.

Meanwhile, schools are intervening to enhance provision, with over 5,000 additional nursery spaces estab

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