Free childcare for Yorkshire service personnel to be introduced

New measures designed to better support the armed forces and their loved ones were touted in the Conservative manifesto in December’s election.

And the new “wraparound” childcare offer is designed to ease the burden for service parents who are often held at readiness to be deployed on operations at short notice.

Service personnel in Buckinghamshire will be the first to trial the new offer from September to coincide with the start of the academic year, but those based in Catterick, near Richmond, are expected to be able to take advantage of the scheme in the second wave from January 2021.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “Service families are at the very heart of the armed forces community and it is vital that we provide them with the appropriate flexibility and freedom to bring up their children while they serve.

“I am determined to make the armed forces a more modern, inclusive and family friendly employer, in order to improve the working environment for retention of all personnel but also to encourage more talented women to pursue long, and fulfilling careers in uniform.”

Defence People and Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer added: “I know from first-hand experience that while service life is hugely rewarding, it isn’t without its challenges when it comes to juggling the demands of family life.

“It is only right that those who continue to do extraordinary work on behalf of the country are recognised and rewarded, and I’m pleased we’re continuing to honour our commitment to our hard-working personnel so they receive the right support to care for loved ones.”