For many parents, unravelling the complex world of childcare funding feels like navigating a maze. But help is at hand thanks to Your Co-op Little Pioneers, who are offering clear guidance at a time of significant change.
From September 2025, thousands of working families across Swindon, Wiltshire and beyond will benefit from a major expansion to the Government’s funded childcare offer. The current entitlement of 15 funded hours for children under three will double to 30 hours per week, dramatically easing the financial burden for eligible parents.
Until now, 30 hours of funded childcare has only been available to children aged three and over. This forthcoming change means that from as early as nine months old, working families will have access to twice the amount of funded care they are currently entitled to, offering valuable flexibility at a crucial stage in their child’s development.
A Breakdown of What’s Changing:
| Child’s Age | Now | From Sept 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| 9 months – 2 years | 15 hours | 30 hours |
| 2 – 3 years | 15 hours | 30 hours |
| 3 – 4 years | 30 hours | 30 hours |
With rising costs putting additional pressure on households, this expansion of funded childcare hours will provide much-needed relief. Your Co-op Little Pioneers, which operates 45 nurseries across the country, including here in Swindon and others in Wiltshire, is fully prepared to deliver these increased hours. Importantly, they also offer flexibility by allowing parents to spread their funded hours across 52 weeks of the year, rather than being restricted to term time.
A spokesperson for Your Co-op Little Pioneers said: “We understand that every family is different, with unique schedules and needs. Our role is to offer clear, practical support to help parents make the most of these new entitlements. Families can count on us to guide them through the changes and offer flexible options that truly work for them.”
Don’t Overlook Tax-Free Childcare
Alongside the expanded funded hours, parents may also be eligible for the Government’s Tax-Free Childcare scheme. This allows families to receive an extra £2 for every £8 they contribute to their childcare account — effectively making their childcare payments stretch even further.
With demand for nursery spaces expected to rise sharply once the new funding kicks in, parents are being encouraged to secure their child’s place sooner rather than later.
