![Claire with children at a nursery.](/sites/www.clairecoutinho.com/files/styles/gallery_large/public/news-gallery/417006628_788850499718870_5901824038178146822_n.jpg?itok=_JdLsfG_)
When I was at the Department for Education, I worked very hard to launch the biggest expansion of childcare ever - saving families in East Surrey and across England an average of up to £6,500 a year.
The first stage of our ambitious rollout has now launched, with applications open for working parents of two-year-olds to receive 15 hours of free childcare per week starting from April 2024.
Please visit childcarechoices.gov.uk to find out your eligibility and apply.