Children's minister Sarah Teather confirmed that the Government will consult in the autumn on proposals to extend the free entitlement, to allow parents to take 15 hours over a minimum of two days a week and over longer hours, from 7am to 7pm.
Currently, parents taking the full 15 hours must do so over a minimum of three days.
Ms Teather could face strong opposition to the plan from private and voluntary nurseries, which say issues with funding shortfalls should be resolved first.
Kate Peach, managing director of Early Years Childcare, said she was 'shocked'. 'It puts us under far more pressure, when we are already struggling with funding and other issues, such as VAT and the cost of staff. Until funding is addressed, this could make it far worse for providers.'
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