Giving Children in Stockport the Best Start in Life

Working parents in Stockport are used to making sacrifices for their family. But sometimes they are forced into decisions that just do not make sense. Like mothers who are too often wrongfully forced to turn down one career opportunity after another after having a child. Many women are faced with the frustrating truth that they just cannot afford to work; childcare just costs too much. 

I got into politics to make a difference for these parents and those children. To back parents in Stockport who want to work hard and get on. To give every child growing up here the best start in life. So I am delighted that this week the largest expansion of childcare in this country’s history reaches new heights, thanks to this Labour government. 

We are now on track for over half a million families to get access to 30 hours of government-funded childcare per week. That is a promise made and a promise delivered from Labour. This government is getting on and delivering a key milestone in our Plan for Change to unlock opportunities for every child, whatever their background. 

The Conservatives left behind a pledge without a plan- not enough places, not enough staff and little time to put it right. With Labour, times are changing. Over 9 in 10 parents are getting their preferred childcare place, that is nearly on par with the success rate parents see getting primary school places. 

With this new support, this Labour government is putting up to £7,500 a year back in Stockport parents’ pockets. That is delivering savings that can go towards shopping, a holiday, or paying off a mortgage, where previously childcare was either unaffordable or out of reach. 

But it is not just about money saved on nursery fees. It is also about choices: the local parents who can make the choice to go back to work or up their hours, building a successful career while saving money on nursery fees and the grandparents saving time and money, no longer having to spend so much to help out.

Labour is also stepping up our support for working families through our Best Start in Life campaign. Through Best Start Family Hubs, we are bringing together trusted information, guidance and support, all in one place- making parenting easier. 

Stockport will receive vital funding to support our local authority in delivering high-quality, joined-up services for families through three One Stockport Family Hubs located at Abingdon Road (SK5 7EU), Garners Lane (SK3 8QW), and Westmorland Drive (SK5 8HH). These centres offer vital services in a single, accessible location, helping parents and carers with everything from infant feeding and parenting advice to perinatal mental health and early language support.If you are a local resident and want to know more about the services offered at your nearest family hub, see here: One Stockport Family Hubs - Stockport Council

This support will be more available than ever through the new BestStartinLife.gov.uk website. 

We are saving Stockport parents money when your children reach school too. From rolling out free breakfast clubs in every primary school, to the biggest ever expansion in free school meals eligibility, this Labour government is serious about supporting working parents. 

Our childcare offer backs parents and boosts growth. But at heart it is about children- giving them the very best start in life. That is what real change looks like- the kind that is felt in family budgets and children’s futures.