The final phase of the largest-ever expansion of publicly funded childcare support has begun in England, as thousands of working parents receive more help with their nursery costs.
Those eligible are now able to access 30 hours of childcare per week during term-time, paid for by the government, for their children aged nine months to four years.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said it was a "landmark moment" for working families, and that the scheme would "put money back in working parents' pockets".
But parents say they are facing long waiting lists for places, with nurseries warning that staff shortages are limiting their availability.
Ministers say the scheme can save parents £7,500 a year, and some parents are going to extra lengths to make themselves eligible for the funded hours as early as possible.
