Start For Life: Childcare Support & Health Reviews
The Department for Education has launched the Childcare Choices campaign, focusing on assisting parents in finding available childcare support and resources.
From September 2025 and in addition to the support already available, eligible working parents are able to access 30 hours of childcare per week, over 38 weeks of the year, starting from the term after their child turns 9 months old. This is all part of the government’s Plan for Change to give every child the best start in life by making high-quality early years education and childcare more affordable and accessible for families.
What are you eligible for?
To find out, please visit the Childcare Choices website below to use their quick, simple eligibility checker. You can also find out everything that you need to know about free childcare, breakfast clubs and in-school nurseries.
Are your family already using 15 hours of childcare for working families?
Parents don’t need to reapply for a new code. You simply continue to reconfirm your details every 3 months on your GOV.UK account and the existing code will update automatically to enable you to take up 30 hours.
If are are already using your 15 hours of childcare and want to increase the hours, you need to speak to your provider directly, as places may be limited.
If you are struggling to find a place, please contact your local authority to find out what support and options are available via the link below.
You may like to sign up for the newsletter available on the Better Start for Life homepage. By subscribing, you will receive regular updates and valuable information regarding the latest resources, support services, and initiatives designed to assist families during critical early years. Stay informed to take full advantage of the comprehensive guidance and programs they offer to promote the health and well-being of you and your child.
2-2 ½ Year Check-up
The Government has set out an ambition to raise the healthiest generation of children ever. The 2 –2 ½ year health and development review is one of the main ways we can identify children who need support before they start school.
A child development review for children aged 2 to 2-and-a-half years is a meeting with a health visitor or nursery key worker to discuss the child's progress in areas such as communication, movement, and social skills. This review provides an opportunity to receive support for your child's development, covering physical, emotional, and behavioural aspects. Topics discussed may include toilet training, diet, vaccinations, and safety.
Before the review, you will likely fill out questionnaires like the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) to help the professional understand your child's development. This review celebrates your child's milestones and identifies any potential delays or support needs early on.
This proactive approach allows parents and professionals to collaborate in providing early intervention or support, discussing health and behaviour concerns, and ensuring that a child is on track for their learning and development. Additionally, the review helps caregivers become more aware of a child's interests and needs and encourages collaboration between health visitors and early years providers.
You can find out more about the 2 to 2 ½ year review and a toddler’s development.
