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How can working parents get 15 and 30 hours of free childcare?

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Eligible working parents in England can now apply to get 30 hours of free childcare a week for children aged nine months and older from September.

The government hopes expanding free childcare will get more parents back to work, but there are serious concerns about the number of staff and places needed.

Free childcare arrangements vary in other parts of the UK.

How expensive is UK childcare?

How does free childcare in England work?

In England, all three and-four year olds are eligible for 15 hours of government-funded childcare, regardless of their parents’ working status.

Other help is also available, but it depends on the age of the child and whether the parents are working or receiving certain benefits.

Working parents can get:

  • 15 hours of funded childcare for children aged between nine months and 23 months old (increasing to 30 hours in September)
  • 30 hours of childcare paid for by the government for three and four-year-olds

To qualify for the new hours, the majority of parents must earn more than £9,518, but less than £100,000 per year.

Those on certain benefits can get:

  • 15 hours of free childcare for two-year-olds

Parents who do not work might still be eligible for 30 hours of free childcare if their partner works, or they receive some benefits – for example they are on maternity or paternity leave.

How do you apply for 15 or 30 hours of free childcare?

Parents can apply for:

  • 15 hours of childcare once their child is 23 weeks old
  • 30 hours once their child is two years and 36 weeks old

The entitlement starts at the beginning of the term after the child reaches the qualifying age.

The government website has details of the deadlines to apply for each age group.

Free childcare hours are designed to be used over 38 weeks of the year – during school term time.

However, some providers will stretch them over 52 weeks if children use fewer hours per week.

What is not covered by the free childcare hour funding?

The government has increased the hourly rate it pays childcare providers offering free hours.

But in many cases, this rate does not cover the full cost of the childcare, and some providers charge for extras like meals, nappies, sun cream or trips.

According to research from the Pregnant Then Screwed charity, almost a quarter (23%) of parents it surveyed said they couldn’t afford to access free childcare hours because of top-up fees.

In February 2025, the Department for Education (DfE) wrote to nurseries saying parents should be able to opt out of paying for these extras, “to ensure no family is priced out”.

However, some providers say they use these payments to subsidise the cost of the free hours for three and four-year-olds. More than 5,000 nurseries signed an open letter to the DfE asking for the new rules to be delayed.

Getty Images Three young children sit on the floor playing with toys in a library, with their mothers sitting behind.Getty Images

The lack of affordable childcare is a barrier for many people hoping to work

Are there enough childcare places?

The DfE said an additional 35,000 staff and 70,000 places will be needed to meet demand by September 2025, when the free hours increase.

The number of childcare places had already risen by 44,400 between 2023 and 2024, according to DfE figures.

But the education regulator Ofsted has warned that these have not been evenly spread across the country.

The number of childminders – those providing early years care in private homes – has decreased.

A government scheme offering a cash incentive of £600 or £1,200 to new childminders ended in March.

On average, so-called “childcare deserts” have lower household incomes and higher levels of deprivation than other areas.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said early years had been her “priority from day one”. However, nursery bosses argue the government’s updated funding rates for 2025 will not offset rising costs.

The Early Years Alliance charity said about 185 nurseries of 1,100 it surveyed said they were “likely” to withdraw from the scheme within the next 12 months “due to unsustainable financial pressures”.

In April, the government announced the first 300 school-based nurseries, which it says will provide 4,000 extra places by September 2025.

What childcare help is available in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?

How does tax-free childcare work?

Parents may be entitled to other support, including the UK-wide tax-free childcare scheme.

For every £8 paid into an online childcare account, the government adds £2 (up to £2,000 per child per year, or £4,000 for disabled children).

Parents can use the money to pay for approved childcare, for example:

  • childminders, nurseries and nannies
  • after-school clubs and play schemes

The childcare provider must be signed up to the scheme.

Parents who qualify for free childcare hours can save in the tax-free scheme as well.



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Cambridge Judge Business School Executive Education launches four-month Cambridge AI Leadership Programme — EdTech Innovation Hub

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Launched in collaboration with Emeritus, a provider of short courses, degree programmes, professional certificates, and senior executive programs, the Cambridge Judge Business School Executive Education course is now available for a September 2025 start. 

The Cambridge AI Leadership Programme aims to help participants navigate the complexities of AI adoptions, identify scalable opportunities and build a strategic roadmap for successful implementation. 

Using a blend of in-person and online learning, the course covers AI concepts, applications, and best practice to improve decision-making skills. It also covers digital transformation and ethical AI governance. 

The program is aimed at senior leaders looking to lead their organizations through transformations and integrate AI technologies. 

“AI is a transformative force reshaping business strategy, decision-making and leadership. Senior executives must not only understand AI but also use it to drive business goals, efficiency and new revenue opportunities,” explains Professor David Stillwell, Co-Academic Programme Director.

“The Cambridge AI Leadership Programme offers a strategic road map, equipping leaders with the skills and mindset to integrate AI into their organisations and lead in an AI-driven world.”

“The Cambridge AI Leadership Programme empowers decision-makers to harness AI in ways that align with their organisation’s goals and prepare for the future,” says Vesselin Popov, Co-Academic Programme Director.

 “Through a comprehensive learning experience, participants gain strategic insights and practical knowledge to drive transformation, strengthen decision-making and navigate technological shifts with confidence.”

RTIH AI in Retail Awards

Our sister title, RTIH, organiser of the industry leading RTIH Innovation Awards, proudly brings you the first edition of the RTIH AI in Retail Awards, which is now open for entries. 

As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers’ businesses.

With 2025 set to be the year when AI and especially gen AI shake off the ‘heavily hyped’ tag and become embedded in retail business processes, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.

Our 2025 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work – resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.

Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Wednesday, 3rd September.



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Shanklea primary school stays shut after solar panel fire

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A primary school will remain closed until Thursday following a fire which started in solar panels on the roof.

Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) said the blaze began just before 14:00 BST at Shanklea Primary School in Cramlington on Saturday.

No-one was injured and Northumberland County Council said the damage was “not as significant as first thought”.

The local authority said the school would remain closed on Tuesday and Wednesday to allow remedial works and additional health and safety checks.

NFRS said five crews were sent to the scene where the solar panels on the west side of the building were ablaze.

A council spokesperson said: “School staff have worked hard alongside structural and electrical engineers to understand the extent of the damage caused by the fire.”

They added parents and carers would be informed of the next steps.



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AI’s Role in Education: Transforming How We Learn

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Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a powerful force reshaping classrooms, lesson plans, and the entire learning experience. As we move further into the digital age, AI’s role in education is expanding rapidly, offering new opportunities and challenges for both students and teachers. So, what can we expect next from this technological revolution? Here’s how AI is transforming how we learn, and what the future holds for education.

How AI Is Already Changing Education

1. Personalized Learning

AI-powered platforms can analyze a student’s strengths, weaknesses, and learning pace to deliver customized lessons and resources. This means students get the support they need, when they need it—whether they’re struggling with math or excelling in science.

Examples:

Adaptive learning apps that adjust difficulty based on performance

AI tutors that provide instant feedback and explanations

Personalized study plans and practice quizzes

2. Automated Grading and Assessment

AI can quickly grade multiple-choice tests, essays, and even coding assignments, saving teachers hours of work. This allows educators to focus more on teaching and less on paperwork.

Benefits:

Faster feedback for students

More consistent and objective grading

Early identification of learning gaps

3. Smart Content Creation

AI tools can generate practice questions, summaries, and even interactive simulations. Teachers can use these resources to supplement lessons and keep students engaged.

Examples:

AI-generated flashcards and quizzes

Virtual labs and simulations for science classes

Automated reading comprehension exercises

4. Language Translation and Accessibility

AI-powered translation and speech-to-text tools break down language barriers, making education more accessible to students from diverse backgrounds and those with disabilities.

Benefits:

Real-time translation for multilingual classrooms

Closed captioning for videos

Text-to-speech for visually impaired students

What’s Next for Students and Teachers?

1. More Immersive and Interactive Learning

AI will power virtual and augmented reality experiences, allowing students to explore historical sites, conduct science experiments, or practice languages in simulated environments—all from their classroom or home.

2. Lifelong and Self-Directed Learning

With AI-driven platforms, learning doesn’t stop at graduation. Students and professionals can access personalized courses, track their progress, and upskill at their own pace, making education a lifelong journey.

3. Smarter Classrooms and Administration

AI will help schools optimize schedules, manage resources, and even predict student needs. Smart sensors and analytics can monitor classroom engagement and suggest improvements.

4. Ethical and Privacy Considerations

As AI becomes more integrated, schools must address concerns about data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the ethical use of technology. Expect new policies and guidelines to protect students and teachers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will AI replace teachers?

A: No. AI is a tool to support, not replace, educators. Teachers provide the human connection, mentorship, and critical thinking skills that technology cannot replicate.

Q: How can students benefit most from AI in education?

A: By using AI tools for personalized learning, seeking instant feedback, and exploring new subjects at their own pace, students can take greater control of their education.

Q: What skills will be most important in an AI-powered classroom?

A: Critical thinking, creativity, digital literacy, and adaptability will be essential. Students should learn how to use AI responsibly and understand its limitations.

Q: Are there risks to using AI in education?

A: Yes. Potential risks include data privacy concerns, over-reliance on technology, and unequal access. Schools and policymakers must work to ensure AI is used ethically and equitably.

Tips for Students and Teachers

Embrace AI as a learning partner: Use AI tools to supplement, not replace, traditional study methods.

Stay curious and adaptable: Technology will keep evolving—be open to new ways of learning and teaching.

Prioritize digital literacy: Learn how AI works, its benefits, and its limitations.

Advocate for privacy and ethics: Ask questions about how your data is used and push for transparent, fair AI systems.

Conclusion

AI is transforming education in ways we could only imagine a decade ago. From personalized learning to smart classrooms, the future promises more engaging, efficient, and accessible education for all. By embracing AI thoughtfully and ethically, students and teachers can unlock new possibilities and prepare for a world where learning never stops.



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