Treasury considering huge expansion of free childcare in England

Exclusive: plan for one- and two-year-olds would cost billions and is among options being looked at

The Treasury is considering a proposal to massively expand free childcare to one- and two-year-olds in England in a move that would cost billions at the spring budget.

Department for Education officials have submitted a plan for a free 30-hours-a-week entitlement for working parents of children aged nine months to three years, after being asked to work up options by the Treasury.