Prime Minister
While many families have been enjoying their summer holidays, whether traveling abroad or relaxing at home, my Labour government has been diligently working to ensure that every child receives the best possible start in life.
Having witnessed the positive effects of investing in our youth, such as providing school lunches in Essex through our expanded free school meals program and participating in music lessons in Milton Keynes to introduce children to new skills and hobbies, our mission is to empower every child for success.
Recognizing the challenges faced by parents, including financial constraints and difficulties in accessing childcare while balancing work and family responsibilities, our government prioritizes support for young families. This fall, we are launching our Best Start In Life initiative to enhance children’s learning and assist struggling families. This initiative aims to provide financial relief to families, offer parents more time, and prepare children for academic and personal success.
Today marks the introduction of our new offering of 30 hours of free childcare per week for parents, covering children from nine months old to school age. This initiative not only saves working parents up to £7,500 annually but also alleviates the challenges faced by parents returning to work or grandparents supporting childcare efforts.
The government is also extending support with the introduction of free breakfast clubs for primary school children, ensuring they start their day with a nutritious meal and providing parents with assistance in the morning. Additionally, we are expanding free school meals to families receiving universal credit, aiming to lift 100,000 children out of poverty. Furthermore, we are limiting the requirement for parents to purchase branded school items, emphasizing the importance of well-fed children and comprehensive parental support over costly attire.
In our commitment to offering every child the opportunity to explore new interests and develop skills, we have allocated £88 million for extracurricular activities like art, music, and outdoor pursuits. Moreover, we are facilitating children’s engagement in activities during holidays to support parents during the summer months.
Our Best Start In Life plan is designed to ensure that every young individual receives a top-notch education, access to diverse opportunities for personal growth and skill development, daily nutritious meals, and parents have increased financial resources and time for their families.
While the previous government neglected key infrastructure and skills development necessary for a modern economy, our Labour government’s Plan for Change is focused on boosting household finances and investing in essential areas like transportation, housing, technology, and job training to secure a prosperous future for all.
Our vision for national renewal under this government is inclusive, aiming to unlock potential and talent irrespective of background or upbringing, ultimately enhancing the well-being and security of every individual.
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