Childcare funding deadline is the end of August 

"With the continued rise in living costs, the additional support with the funded childcare can make a real difference to parents and carers in Leicestershire."

Parents and carers have until Sunday, 31 August, to secure government-funded childcare for this autumn.

Leicestershire County Council has said that 'this means all eligible working parents of children who turned nine months between April 1 and  August 31 can now apply to access up to 30 hours of funded childcare a week, saving them up to £7,500 a year per child.'

Families with two-year-olds who receive additional forms of support can receive 15 hours of funded childcare, as can all parents and carers of children aged three to four years-old.

Cllr Charles Pugsley, lead member for children and families at Leicestershire County Council, said: “With the continued rise in living costs, the additional support with the funded childcare can make a real difference to parents and carers in Leicestershire.

“We know that attending childcare has real benefits, including enabling children to develop key skills, socialise and prepare for school through play.”