TRURO’S MP has welcomed the expansion in free childcare announced by Government this week in a bid to cut the cost of childcare and support working families.

Jayne Kirkham estimates that out of 583,289 children aged between nine months and two years in Cornwall, up to 5,760 will now be eligible for 30 hours of free childcare per week, delivering on a key Labour manifesto commitment.

“When speaking with local parents, I often hear the same struggles: a lack of affordable, accessible childcare can hold people back from work or push household budgets to the limit,” said Ms Kirkham.

“That’s why this change is so important. It means more parents can start or return to work without the stress of juggling drop-offs/pick-ups or paying out hundreds each month. I urge all parents to check what support they might now be entitled to.

“From visits to nurseries in Truro and Falmouth and having sent my own child to nursery in Falmouth under the last Labour government, I know how important and positive early years care and education can be. This is about backing working parents and carers, supporting early development, and making sure childcare is accessible to all.”

The new entitlement is worth up to £7,500 per child per year. Families can check their eligibility at childcarechoices.gov.uk.

The move is part of Labour’s first-year action to support families, improve education, and reduce child poverty. So far, this has included rebuilding crumbling school premises, recruiting 2,300 more teachers and serving two million meals through free breakfast clubs.

“We’re giving support to our local parents, from free childcare and free school meals on the breakfast club pilot in schools like Tregony and St Francis, to better classrooms and teachers,” said Ms Kirkham. “This is about easing the cost of living and giving every child a chance.”