Wednesday 15 March, London - Becca Lyon, head of child poverty at Save the Children UK, said: "We welcome the investment in childcare from the UK government. This is a great stride forwards in fixing a system that stopped parents working and put them into debt. Our parent campaigners played a significant role in overturning childcare rules for those on Universal Credit and it’s fantastic that their voices have been heard.  

"Provision for 1 and 2-year-olds in England is going to be life-changing for so many families, but this is only the start of childcare reform. Childcare providers have been badly bruised by underfunding, the pandemic, and now the cost of living crisis and we are concerned the financial commitment made today isn't enough. 

“This shortfall, along with the concerning news about changes to childcare ratios in England, risks the quality of care providers can give children. Only a well funded Universal Childcare Guarantee that offers care to all children - including those whose parents aren’t in work - from the end of parental leave to 11 years old will solve this crisis."