Watford MP, Richard Harrington, welcomes news that 6,692 children are already benefiting from the Government’s 30 hours free childcare offer in Hertfordshire.

Good quality childcare not only helps children get the best start in life, but also supports parents who want or need to work.

When it was announced that there would be pilots of the 30 hours free childcare throughout the country, Richard Harrington MP lobbied the Department of Education to ask that Watford be one of these pilots- and so Watford parents have been reaping the benefits of this scheme since 2016.

Last year, Mr Harrington visited Kingswood Nursery School where he spoke to parents who were beneficiaries of the scheme, and many said how the additional hours had been transformational, by improving family finances and creating a much better work-life balance.

Alongside increasing the National Living Wage, and raising personal allowance, childcare support is one of a number of ways this Government is helping families with the cost of living.

Talking about 30 hours free child care, Mr Harrington said:

‘Childcare in Watford is expensive but high quality. I know that for many parents, being able to afford good-quality childcare is so important. That’s why I really welcome the fact that nearly 7,000 children have benefitted from this in Hertfordshire.

Speaking to parents, I know what a difference 30 free hours is making here in Watford. Reliable childcare just makes day to day life that bit easier.”