“We are continuing to provide longer term reassurance to nurseries and childminders that are open by ‘block-buying’ childcare places for the rest of this year at the level we would have funded before coronavirus, regardless of how many children are attending.”

However, it’s important parents and carers are aware that to continue to receive the financial support for Tax-Free Childcare and 30 Hours Free Childcare, they will need to reconfirm eligibility every three months.

Meanwhile, parents and carers in receipt of the childcare element of Working Tax Credits who have continued to pay childcare fees they have incurred, despite their children being unable to access childcare due to COVID-19, are being told they must notify HMRC if they expect this to continue beyond September 7.

And, after this date, HMRC will no longer pay the childcare element for those who are in this position.