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Question
The right hon. Lady, while in opposition, criticised every announcement made by Conservatives. For instance, she dismissed family hubs as a 'poor imitation'. Now that Labour is in power, what has changed?
Minister reply
While I agree with much of the criticism regarding childcare policies during my time in opposition, the current strategy aims to build on and improve upon previous initiatives for better outcomes. The focus now is on delivering concrete changes rather than merely criticising.
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Question
The MP asks whether this is new funding or a reannouncement of existing family hubs funding, inquires about the financial years and extent of £500 million funding, requests clarification on whether it supports only new hubs or existing ones too, enquires about capital funding for infrastructure, raises concerns over targeting support effectively to those who need it most, and asks what is being done differently this time.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State confirms that the investment is additional funding, details are available in documents published with the spending review. The funding will be used to support all children through early intervention, better access to services, and a sharper focus on early support for SEND.
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Question
Welcomes the statement and asks about the training and recruitment of staff in Best Start family hubs with qualifications, plans to address shortages of SENDCOs, discusses inclusion across different providers, and enquires about the role and sustainability of maintained nursery schools.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State confirms there will be a trained professional for SEND in every hub, discusses the importance of early identification of need, mentions the role of maintained nurseries and their expertise in dealing with children with SEND.
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Question
Welcomes measures to tackle inequality and improve support for early years and families, raises concerns about financial pressures on charitable and private providers, asks the Government to reverse national insurance hikes and review rates paid to providers, discusses tragic cases of child neglect in nurseries, and enquires about Ofsted inspections and strengthening of the early years framework.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State addresses the need for high-quality training across the education system, acknowledges the importance of inclusion across all settings, mentions the revised Ofsted framework to ensure genuine inclusivity.
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Question
Can the Secretary of State confirm that these hubs will be staffed with SEND professionals to identify needs early, work with families and give vital access to speech, language, emotional and neurodiversity services?
Minister reply
We are drawing on the best practices from Sure Start and ensuring better SEND support is delivered through Best Start family hubs. We will also make sure that support for children around speech and language happens much more quickly than currently the case.
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Question
Will the Secretary of State agree to write to me, as a matter of urgency, regarding the decision by the Government to twice turn down funding for a new heating system for Meadowgate academy?
Minister reply
I will be happy to look into the details. If he could share some more information with me after this session, I will ensure he gets a full response.
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Question
Will the Secretary of State set out what criteria will determine where these new family hubs will be located?
Minister reply
The area is one of those not currently funded, but it will receive funding shortly—this year—to start the process of moving towards a Best Start family hub in the next year. We will be clear with local authorities that we want a focus on disadvantage.
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Question
What difference parents in Worcestershire will see, specifically with regard to children with special educational needs?
Minister reply
The hon. Lady’s local authority area is not currently funded through the programme and it will receive funding, including a share of a £12 million development grant, which we will confirm in the next few weeks.
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Question
How will the Government build that vital workforce where it is really needed?
Minister reply
We will work with the sector to recruit more early years teachers, particularly in areas where they are needed most, and roll out a new early years teacher degree apprenticeship.
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Question
What will the Secretary of State do to guarantee that young people in rural communities such as mine will be able to gain benefit from what she is proposing today?
Minister reply
We will set out guidance on how local authorities can ensure they are serving the most disadvantaged communities, but local authorities will have flexibility in determining how that operates.
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Question
Does the Secretary of State agree it is time to recognise that paying people to stay married, as the married couples allowance does, will not be as productive in helping families in this country as putting the £600 million it costs us into childcare and expanding access further?
Minister reply
She invites me to comment on matters of tax policy. She will forgive me if I do not respond directly to her, but I will ensure that her views are shared with the Chancellor ahead of any fiscal event.
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Question
One of the best things the last Labour Government did was roll out Sure Start, and one of the worst things the Conservative Government did was hollowing out many Sure Start centres. Will the Secretary of State assure my constituents that stay-and-play, and play generally, will be a fundamental part of Best Start?
Minister reply
I know how hard my hon. Friend has campaigned on this issue, especially regarding access to stay-and-play opportunities for families who simply do not have the financial means for extras. Stay-and-play is crucially important, especially during isolating times, and it will indeed be a fundamental part of Best Start family hubs.
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Question
The Acorns nursery in Lindfield was downgraded by Ofsted following a recent inspection due to one missing piece of paperwork. The nursery's manager, Mrs Christina Franks, received an MBE for her work and the establishment has been Ofsted outstanding for years. What advice does the Secretary of State have for the Acorns?
Minister reply
While I cannot comment on individual cases, if Alison Bennett writes to me with the details, I can ensure that Ofsted will look carefully at the issues raised and provide a full response.
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Question
My first step into politics was campaigning to keep my local Sure Start centre open after the Tories decided to cut funding. Kirklees council is now receiving funding, allowing parents in my constituency to receive help and children to get a good start. Does the Secretary of State agree that this shows the difference a Labour Government makes?
Minister reply
Yes, it is only through my hon. Friend’s election and with a Labour Government that such investment will come to her community. The first year will see systems being put in place, allowing for the opening of family hubs next year.
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Question
The Secretary of State has not ruled out scrapping EHCPs; if that is her intention, may I offer advice to please not do so as it would cause an anguished and angry backlash?
Minister reply
While the current system is acknowledged to be failing, we are taking our time to ensure reform addresses concerns such as hard bureaucratic processes. The local authority in Rayleigh will receive additional funding for a Best Start family hub.
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Question
Parents and families of children with SEND are anxious, worried, and need reassurance that their voices will be heard during changes to the SEND system. What can you give them?
Minister reply
We are already listening to parents, campaigners, charities, school leaders, etc., and working on reforms grounded in better life chances for all children with SEND. We aim to build confidence through timely support and investment.
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Question
Wiltshire is part of the f40 group, getting less money than elsewhere despite extra costs due to rurality. We were delighted last April when a new SEND school was announced for Bitham Park in Westbury. Will this programme continue under your plans?
Minister reply
I would be happy to arrange a meeting with the relevant Minister to discuss further details about the constituency school in question and confirm that we are looking at ensuring more local places closer to home.
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Question
Best Start family hubs will provide prevention-focused integrated services. I invite you to visit Allhallows family hub in Bedford town centre to see how such services can support children and prevent antisocial behaviour.
Minister reply
I would be delighted to visit or, if not possible, arrange for a ministerial colleague to join Mohammad Yasin at the Allhallows family hub.
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Question
Asked about the statutory SEND override and digital offer for Best Start family hubs, with concerns over digital exclusion.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State extended the statutory override in the spending review to support local authorities during the transition. She will provide more details on the digital offer aligning with NHS services soon.
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Question
Asked about protecting children's rights to education, health, and care plans.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State confirmed that there will always be a legal right to additional support for children with SEND. She emphasised the Labour Government’s commitment to improving the system.
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Question
Asked about how family hubs will improve school readiness and reduce child poverty.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State outlined plans for additional funding, free school meals expansion, and reforms to children’s social care.
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Question
Asked about evidence-based feeding support in Best Start family hubs.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State assured that the hubs will provide support rooted in best available evidence, and welcomed information from the all-party group on infant feeding.
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Question
Asked about how Best Start centres will integrate with DWP support for parents.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State explained that the strategy involves multiple departments, focusing on childcare access, routes back to work, and integrated health services.
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Question
Asked for a guarantee that no child with SEND will lose support.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State assured that children will continue to receive the necessary high-quality support, highlighting improvements over previous government policies.
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Question
Asked about breaking down barriers for all children through Best Start family hubs.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State agreed that Labour Government decisions will break down barriers, referencing Sure Start cuts under previous governments.
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Question
Asked about speech and developmental delay support in Best Start family hubs.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State confirmed that the government will ensure proper identification and intervention, including health visitors and speech therapists.
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Question
Today’s news on Best Start family hubs is absolutely brilliant. The loss of Sure Start in communities such as mine is still keenly felt by the local community. However, families need support not just from Monday to Friday, as was brought home to me last week on a visit to the family department of my local hospital. Is any thought being given to extending services—particularly when it comes to healthcare and education, as well as the additional support in these hubs—to weekends?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is right about access to both family support services and health services. Through the NHS 10-year plan, we are working very closely on this issue. We recognise that when families can only access appointments during school hours, it impacts children's attendance at school. That is why we are putting a lot of emphasis on outreach work to ensure engagement with parents and communities, delivering services they actually need.
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Question
Only 34% of disadvantaged pupils in Bath met the required standards for reading, writing or maths in 2021-22, which was well below the national average. How can she ensure that the most disadvantaged families have access to these additional services?
Minister reply
The hon. Member is right to seek to ensure that families facing extra challenges or struggles and the most disadvantaged families have access to Best Start family hubs. We are putting a lot of emphasis on support for reception year to make sure that, as children arrive at school, they have the support they need to thrive. Our staff working in early years and reception will be able to identify need much more quickly and put in place the necessary support.
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Question
Given the importance of family hubs, I know the Secretary of State shares my disappointment that neither Central Bedfordshire nor Hertfordshire previously received a single penny of family hub funding. Will the Secretary of State and the Government ensure that councils such as Somerset are properly funded so that parents and children with special educational needs do not have to wait for assessment?
Minister reply
I agree with my hon. Friend, and we want to ensure that no parent faces parenthood alone. We will make sure that Best Start family hubs have a dedicated professional working with families of children with additional needs. Furthermore, we are investing an extra £1 billion in SEND support, providing councils with £740 million to support them in creating more specialist places in mainstream schools.
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Question
I welcome today’s announcement. Will the Secretary of State and the Government ensure that councils such as Somerset are properly funded so that parents and children with special educational needs do not have to wait for assessment, which can devastate their education?
Minister reply
At the Budget and at the spending review, we allocated additional investment to support councils. We are investing an extra £1 billion in SEND support, providing councils with £740 million to create more specialist places in mainstream schools to build parents’ confidence in the system and provide necessary support.
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Question
I am so grateful for my right hon. Friend’s focus and commitment on investing in our very youngest, not least because when we invest in early years, we change the trajectory of a child’s life. Will she look at the model we have created in York, where we have not only a SEND co-ordinator but a SEND hub?
Minister reply
I am grateful to my hon. Friend. I know that Janet Daby has visited and seen the impact it is having. We are keen through this programme and wider developments in the strategy to draw on brilliant practice and expertise out there, and would be happy to discuss further with her.
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Question
May I invite the Secretary of State to congratulate Burhill primary school in Hersham, which has been re-awarded for excellence in wellbeing? Will she make a commitment that the hubs will be distributed throughout the country, in every constituency where there is need?
Minister reply
The hon. Lady is absolutely right about the importance of mental health in our schools, which is why we are rolling out mental health support teams right across the country. As well as making sure we have funding in place for areas that do not currently receive it, we will be rolling out additional investment to all local authorities. We will confirm allocations for all local authorities in the autumn, but this is an extra half a billion pounds of investment over the course of the spending review period.
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Question
I thank the Secretary of State for her brilliant statement today and for her recent visit to Harlow. How will the hubs, like Sure Start before them, work in collaboration with local communities to benefit people in Harlow and across Essex?
Minister reply
We will ensure that voluntary and community groups have an important role to play in our family hubs. I am grateful for everything my hon. Friend does to champion Harlow and his community. His constituents will once more see the services they need and deserve through this investment.
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Question
Today, the Secretary of State has ensured that more children and parents will be able to access opportunity—truly good news. What discussions will she have with the Education Minister in the Northern Ireland Assembly to ensure that children in Northern Ireland postcodes have access to these types of hubs?
Minister reply
We are committed to ensuring that all areas across the United Kingdom can benefit from our investment in family hubs and early years support. While I do not have direct responsibility for education in Northern Ireland, we will certainly work closely with our colleagues in Northern Ireland to ensure that children there also have access to these essential services.
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Question
I thank the Secretary of State for her statement and for recognising that where people live should not dictate the support available to them. Will she set out how our Best Start family hubs will help address early drivers of mental illness for children and young people before they reach crisis point?
Minister reply
Through today’s announcement, we are ensuring extra investment in Best Start family hubs in his local authority. We know that the support for parents through these hubs is critical, as it allows them to work together with their children and professionals to make a significant difference.
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Question
In Dudley, our family hub in St Thomas’s provides vital services including SEND support. Will my right hon. Friend outline how the new announcement will enhance the hub?
Minister reply
Through today’s announcement, we are ensuring that areas without funding currently will receive it, and all local authorities can deliver into the next phase. The investment of half a billion pounds across the spending review period will allow us to reach more children than is the case right now.
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Question
I congratulate my right hon. Friend on the launch today of the national year of reading and the success of the Bentilee ward family hub in his constituency. Will she say more about what flexibility there will be in future hubs?
Minister reply
The services in Stoke, including the Thrive At Five programme, are exemplary, and I would love to see or hear more about them because they demonstrate the value of ensuring that services are responsive to what parents want.
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Question
Before coming to this place, I led a global campaign for early childhood development. It is great to see a Labour Government stepping back into this leadership role. How will SEND provision be embedded in Best Start family hubs?
Minister reply
We are setting out through the strategy the important work that Best Start family hubs will provide in terms of trained support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), so we can better identify additional needs at an earlier point.
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Question
In Ilford, our engagement hubs bring together various services. Will the Secretary of State confirm that trained SEND co-ordinators will be placed in the new hubs to identify needs and ensure easy access to early years support?
Minister reply
Through today’s announcement and the ‘best start in life’ strategy, his community will see extra investment and more support for precisely the kinds of services he identified. This is a crucial part of our shift towards prevention and better support rooted in communities.
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Question
How will this announcement coincide with commitments to inclusive play in parks? I am sure we all agree that all children deserve a park life.
Minister reply
We absolutely have to tackle the issue of many children not feeling safe to go out and be on our streets, as it is having a big impact on their mental health and physical health.
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Question
Sure Start had a very proud legacy. Does the Secretary of State agree that building foundations and investing in families will ensure long-term benefits like those achieved by Sure Start? Will she say how Best Start family hubs will work alongside pre-schools and primary schools?
Minister reply
The hubs will be key to our vision for better joining up education and health services. We are setting out through the strategy how we will do more to better join up support between early years settings and schools, which will make a really big difference.
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Question
My constituency is home to thousands of serving personnel and their families. Will the Secretary of State set out how the new hubs will support armed forces families and honour our commitment under the armed forces covenant?
Minister reply
The family hubs are designed to be community-responsive, similar to successful models like Thrive At Five in Stoke-on-Trent. They will provide crucial services and support tailored to the unique needs of military families.
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Question
Will the Secretary of State confirm that funding allocations will take into account factors such as population size and child poverty rates, particularly important in areas like Birmingham?
Minister reply
Yes, we will consider the factors mentioned by my hon. Friend. Allocations across all local authorities for the next phase will be confirmed later in the autumn, taking into account key factors that impact service provision.
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Question
How will the 'best start in life' strategy work with local charities to achieve its objective of getting more children school-ready?
Minister reply
Voluntary and community groups, including those like Home-Start Kettering, play a critical role. Their ability to access and support families who might find it difficult to engage with statutory services makes them invaluable partners in delivering the Government's objectives.
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Question
Does the Secretary of State agree that it was ridiculous for the Conservative council in Bexley to close Sure Start services and not receive funding from the previous Government? Will she commit today to turning this situation around?
Minister reply
Yes, my hon. Friend’s local authority will now receive funding to roll out family hub services after previously receiving no money from the previous Government. This decision is about providing essential support to children in deprived areas.
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Question
Will the Secretary of State ensure that economic evaluation is included so these projects can be funded for the long run?
Minister reply
Absolutely, the work of the Institute for Fiscal Studies on the wider economic benefits will inform our approach. My hon. Friend’s constituents in Wokingham and Reading borough councils will now benefit from a Best Start family hub.
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Question
How will constituencies with challenging geography, like Calder Valley, get the full benefit of the family hubs?
Minister reply
The announcement includes extra investment for areas with unique challenges. The focus is on early-years education, reception support, and funding tailored to specific community needs.
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Luke Myer
Lab
Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland
Question
Will local authorities with existing provision like Middlesbrough benefit from this funding in the future?
Minister reply
Yes, all local authorities will benefit. My hon. Friend’s council has already prioritised investment despite difficult funding settlements. We confirm allocations for these councils alongside new ones.
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Question
Will the Secretary of State end the injustice of Bracknell Forest Council not receiving a penny to deliver early years support through family hubs? Will they get this funding?
Minister reply
Yes, my hon. Friend’s local authority will receive the support it was previously denied. A £12 million development grant will enable them to hit the ground running and put services in place from April next year.
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Question
Will the Minister meet me to discuss the critical need for more of these hubs in my constituency, where child poverty rates are among the highest in the country?
Minister reply
I will be happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss further needs. Her local authority will benefit from extra investment around the development grant and wider funding across the spending review period.
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Question
The Secretary of State may remember our visit to High Tunstall College of Science when she last came to my constituency. The head told us that he could pinpoint precisely the year group that had not had access to Sure Start, such were the additional challenges those young people faced. Does the Secretary of State agree that this brilliant announcement means an investment not only in our children and grandchildren but also in wider society?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is absolutely right: as well as real benefits for children and families, there are clear economic benefits. The statement highlights that investing in early years education generates the single biggest difference, as told by school and college leaders across the country.
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Question
Could the Secretary of State elaborate on how Best Start family hubs will support families with children who have special educational needs?
Minister reply
Change and reform are needed to the system, including an extra £1 billion investment in support for children with SEND, capital programmes for specialist places in mainstream schools, and rolling out the PINS programme across more than 1,000 extra schools. This will deliver critical work between parents and staff for better outcomes.
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Question
In rural areas with declining populations in primary schools, will there be an opportunity to use the increase in capacity to increase provision for SEND?
Minister reply
Following today’s announcement, my hon. Friend’s community will benefit from funding allowing for a Best Start family hub and wider services delivered through that. Although the falling birth rate presents a challenge, it allows us to think about how we can use the schools estate to better deliver support for children.
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Question
Can the Secretary of State outline how she expects this investment to work in areas with very high levels of inequality, such as my constituency?
Minister reply
As my hon. Friend says, we know from research that Sure Start generated widespread long-term benefits in education and health, even reducing school absence and identifying support for children with SEND much more quickly. We will build on the lessons of Sure Start to tackle entrenched inequalities within communities.
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Question
Does my right hon. Friend agree that the Best Start family centres will help dads, and all parents, become better parents?
Minister reply
I agree with my hon. Friend. Services delivered through Best Start family hubs respond to the needs of mums, dads and carers alike. His local authority area will benefit from extra investment in order to get up and running in the next year and on an ongoing basis.
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Question
Does the Secretary of State agree that Best Start will go far to address issues such as obesity, malnutrition, and tooth decay?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is right to draw attention to the important link between education and health. We are taking action through this strategy to improve access to vaccination and health visiting support, ensuring all children have a healthy life.
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Question
Does the Secretary of State agree that it has been deeply confusing for those living in local authorities where crucial services and family hubs have not been funded?
Minister reply
Through the measures announced today, my hon. Friend’s local authority will benefit from funding to make this a reality. We are developing a digital offer with NHS colleagues to ensure all parents can access good-quality information regardless of their circumstances.
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Question
How will this be linked to areas of deprivation?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend’s local authority will benefit from the funding announced today, including a £12 million development grant. The scheme focuses on disadvantaged children while being available and accessible to all parents.
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Question
Does the Secretary of State agree that one in three low-income families currently do not have access to a local children’s centre or family hub should be a great source of shame for the Conservatives?
Minister reply
The Labour Government is committed to ensuring more parents and children are able to access high-quality parenting, healthcare and education services. We are investing an additional £1 billion over the next spending review period.
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Question
How does this announcement change funding for vital children’s services in my area?
Minister reply
The measures announced today mean that local authorities, including my hon. Friend’s local authority, will receive funding through a share of a development grant to make sure they can get up and running from next April.
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Question
While welcoming the announcement, I ask about its legal basis and how it aligns with local authority responsibilities.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State emphasised that her hon. Friend's local community will benefit from today’s funding announcement. She highlighted the importance of mental health support for new mothers and acknowledged the challenges faced by teachers in supporting families facing real difficulties.
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Question
The MP visited Leftwich primary school where he was told about the increased workload on teachers due to the dismantling of early help services. He asked whether building back Sure Start will make a difference.
Minister reply
My hon. Friend's local authority will now benefit from this extra funding, which will support children and families across his community. The government is taking measures such as expanding free school meals eligibility, introducing new free breakfast clubs, reducing the cost of school uniforms, and increasing the national minimum wage to ease the burden on teachers and support staff.
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Question
Twelve months ago, the Prime Minister gave his final election campaign speech in a Sure Start centre abandoned by the previous Government. He asked whether it is actions not words that lead to better futures for children.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State agreed with her hon. Friend and stated that this Labour Government will ensure all children are set up to succeed, building on the legacy of Sure Start and expanding its best features.
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Question
The postcode in which a person is born still profoundly impacts their life expectancy. Does my right hon. Friend agree that integrated care, including advice on early years education and health support, is essential for the new Best Start family hubs?
Minister reply
The Secretary of State agreed with her hon. Friend's point about integrated care being critical for the success of these new family hubs. She emphasised the importance of bringing together healthcare, education, libraries, childminders, and voluntary and community groups to ensure all children get the best start in life.