By Emily Parker

Copyright manchestereveningnews

New data has revealed that more than 78,000 families across the North West are benefitting from government-funded childcare schemes, which look to save parents up to £7,500 on childcare each year, per child. Figures released today suggest 78,417 children in the North West are now benefitting from the government’s rollout of funded childcare, alongside a further 530,000 children nationwide. The news comes after the government pledged to fund 30 hours of free childcare a week for eligible parents, from the start of September. Figures also suggest that the government’s initial target to get half a million children into funded childcare places at the beginning of September has been surpassed, with around 530,000 children now in places nationwide. For the best ideas on days out, shopping and parenting issues, get the Manchester Family newsletter here Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson said: “When we launched the 30 hours childcare expansion at the start of September, we said around half a million families were on track to benefit. Today’s figures show we have gone even further. “It is fantastic to see our Plan for Change delivering for families – helping them save up to £7,500 a year per child on childcare costs and supporting parents to balance work and home life. This is real cost-of-living relief that families can feel in their pockets today. “As the next bidding round of school-based nurseries kicks off today, we are not slowing down. This government is giving hard-working parents the support they need and ensuring every child gets the best start in life.” One mum, Louise Warren, from Blackpool, has been using the government’s 30 hours of funded childcare for her son and says it has made a “huge difference” to her family – both in terms of finances and overall wellbeing. Louise said: “Using the 30 funded hours has made a huge difference to our family – working full-time as a progress coach at my local college simply wouldn’t be possible without access to affordable childcare. “It’s not just about the financial support—though saving over £500 a month makes a huge difference—it’s also about my wellbeing, my career, and my son’s development.” She added: “Nursery has helped prepare him for school, and the flexibility has allowed both me and his dad to continue working full-time. Childcare has given us stability, independence, and confidence as a family.” Funding for early years entitlements is also set to rise to over £9 billion next year, in a bid to help more parents, and especially mothers, balance work and family life. Join our Family WhatsApp group HERE