During the summer break, while families were enjoying their time off, the Labour government under my leadership has been diligently working to ensure that every child receives a strong foundation for their future.
Recognizing the positive impact of investing in youth, such as expanding free school meals to children in Essex and providing music lessons in Milton Keynes, our government is committed to giving every child the tools they need to succeed.
Acknowledging the financial challenges faced by parents, I am proud to announce that supporting young families is a top priority. Our upcoming Best Start In Life campaign aims to enhance children’s learning opportunities and provide much-needed assistance to families.
Starting today, parents can benefit from our new initiative offering 30 free hours of childcare per week, catering to children from nine months to school age. This will not only save working parents up to £7,500 annually but also alleviate the pressure on those balancing work and family responsibilities.
In addition to the childcare scheme, we are introducing free breakfast clubs for primary school children, expanding free school meals to families on universal credit, and reducing the financial burden on parents by limiting the need for branded school items.
Furthermore, we are allocating £88 million for extracurricular activities like art and music, emphasizing the importance of holistic development for children. Our goal is to provide every child with the tools and opportunities needed to thrive academically and beyond.
Under our Best Start In Life plan, every child will receive a quality education, access to diverse skill-building activities, nutritious meals, and parents will benefit from increased financial stability and time.
While some critics may undermine our efforts, we remain committed to making tangible improvements in people’s lives. Our focus is on delivering real change that positively impacts families across the nation, ensuring a brighter future for all children.
