Supporting Families in Chester North & Neston
One of the things I often hear when speaking to parents across Chester North & Neston is how tough it can be to juggle work and family life. Parents tell me about the difficult choices they face. Turning down opportunities at work, relying heavily on grandparents for childcare, or cutting back hours because nursery fees are just too high. These are decisions no parent should be forced to make.
I went into politics to help change that, for those parents, and for the children growing up here. Every child deserves the best start in life, and every parent should have the chance to build a career without feeling like the system is stacked against them.
That’s why I’m so proud that from this term, more than half a million families will benefit from 30 hours of government-funded childcare each week. It’s the biggest expansion of childcare in our history, and it’s already making a difference to families here in our community.
Just a couple of years ago, the idea that finding a childcare place could be as straightforward as securing a school place felt impossible. But times are changing, nine in ten parents are now able to get their preferred childcare place. This policy puts up to £7,500 a year back into the pockets of working families.
But for me, this is about more than money. It’s about choice. For parents who are now able to return to work or increase their hours, building careers they’d put on hold. For grandparents who are relieved that they don’t have to dash across town every day to help with pick-ups. And for families who are getting more time together, and more freedom.
We’re also expanding the support available through our Best Start in Life campaign. Family Hubs will bring together advice, guidance, and services all in one place. Making life simpler for parents, and with our new BestStartinLife.gov.uk website, that help will be more accessible than ever.
This isn’t just change for families, it’s change for our whole community. When more parents can pursue their careers, our local economy benefits from their skills and energy. And when every child gets the right start, we all benefit.
That’s what real change from this Government looks like, practical help that you can feel at home, at work, and in your children’s futures.