West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin today welcomed the start of important Government measures to increase help towards childcare costs for working parents. Harriett has campaigned for better childcare funding since she was elected in 2010 to help get more mothers who want to get back into employment. The new measures come into force this week as children return to school after the summer break extending the entitlement of 15 hours of free early education to the 40 per cent of most disadvantaged two year olds. All 3 and 4-year-olds in England are entitled to 570 hours of free early education or childcare a year. From next year, all families will benefit from tax-free childcare which will see all eligible families receive up to £2,000 towards each child's childcare costs. Harriett commented: “It is great to see these measures taking effect after a lot of work behind the scenes lobbying to fix this issue. “High childcare costs have become an increasingly dominant factor when women decide to return to work after having a family. “Every parent knows that giving a child the best possible start in life is crucial and these measures will help parents to ensure their child is helped as well as allowing them to return to the workplace if they want. “Two years ago, I set out the case for better childcare support for families where both parents want to work and simultaneously lobbied the Government directly. “Every penny helps and when it comes to childcare, this cash support may well encourage more women to re-enter to the workplace and resume successful and fulfilling careers. “I am also pleased that Worcestershire has been able to carry out the smooth transition to offer free hot meals for pupils from this term which will also help them get the most from their school days. “I hope these measures help our younger people to get the best possible start as they grow up in Worcestershire.”