Barnet families will save an estimated £24 million this year, thanks to the Government’s policy of 30 hours of free childcare per week for 9 to 24 month olds.
The support was first introduced in September 2025 and now a new cohort of families will benefit.
The move follows ending the two child limit on child benefits, expanding free school meals and providing free breakfast clubs.
In addition, Barnet families benefit from the Mayor of London’s provision of free school meals for years 3 to 6.
The provision of free childcare hours for 9-24 month olds will benefit the parents of 2,988 children in the borough.
Research has found government-funded childcare has cut costs on childcare for families in half, with working parents now saving an average of £8,000 a year.
Councillor Pauline Coakley-Webb, Labour’s Cabinet member for Family Friendly Barnet said: “We know that the cost of living for many families is overwhelming. That’s why we are delighted that thousands of Barnet children will be eligible for this help, making family life more affordable.”
According to Coram Family and Childcare’s annual Childcare Survey, costs of a part-time childcare place have now dropped back to the same level as 2005 – reversing more than two decades of rising costs in just two years and giving more children the very best start in life.
The Coram report finds that the cost of a full-time (50-hour) place for a child under two has fallen by 52% compared to 2024 – from around £305 per week to £149.
Barnet families will save an estimated £24 million this year, thanks to the Government’s policy of 30 hours of free childcare per week for 9 to 24 month olds.
The support was first introduced in September 2025 and now a new cohort of families will benefit.
The move follows ending the two child limit on child benefits, expanding free school meals and providing free breakfast clubs.
In addition, Barnet families benefit from the Mayor of London’s provision of free school meals for years 3 to 6.
The provision of free childcare hours for 9-24 month olds will benefit the parents of 2,988 children in the borough.
Research has found government-funded childcare has cut costs on childcare for families in half, with working parents now saving an average of £8,000 a year.
Councillor Pauline Coakley-Webb, Labour’s Cabinet member for Family Friendly Barnet said: “We know that the cost of living for many families is overwhelming. That’s why we are delighted that thousands of Barnet children will be eligible for this help, making family life more affordable.”
According to Coram Family and Childcare’s annual Childcare Survey, costs of a part-time childcare place have now dropped back to the same level as 2005 – reversing more than two decades of rising costs in just two years and giving more children the very best start in life.
The Coram report finds that the cost of a full-time (50-hour) place for a child under two has fallen by 52% compared to 2024 – from around £305 per week to £149.
