Steve Race MP hails childcare and breakfast club roll-out in Exeter as “game-changing” for families

Exeter’s Labour MP Steve Race has welcomed the government’s expansion of 30 hours’ funded childcare, describing it as “a game-changer for working families in Exeter.”

The new scheme, which could save parents up to £7,500 a year, is part of a nationwide push to improve opportunities for children in their early years while helping parents stay in work.

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During recent visits to Kiddi Caru Day Nursery in Matford Green and St Sidwell’s Church of England Primary School, Race spoke with staff and parents about the difference the measures are already making.

At St Sidwell’s, he saw the launch of free universal breakfast clubs, one of three schools in Exeter taking part in the first phase of the roll-out.

“These changes are transformative,” he said. “Parents and carers here have told me this support is helping them stay in work, easing the cost of living, and giving every child the best possible start in life.”

Nursery manager Nicola Lemon said demand has already increased since the expansion: “This additional support has been warmly welcomed locally, helping many more children benefit from high-quality early years education.”

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson called the expansion “the largest ever investment in government-funded childcare,” with more than half a million children expected to benefit this month alone. She added: “This is just the beginning – my vision is access to high-quality early years for every family that needs it.”

Alongside the childcare expansion, families will soon be able to use a new online platform, BestStartinLife.gov.uk, to access guidance and support beyond the nursery door.

Race said: “After years of neglect and rising costs under the Conservatives, Labour is delivering for families in Exeter. From breakfast clubs to funded nursery places, these steps are already making a real difference.”