Asked why there is only 15 hours of free childcare in term time, suggesting that this does not align with full-time work requirements which often span school holidays.

Inquired about an independent person and whether there is benefit in leveraging the existing Children’s Commissioner for this role, instead of creating a new one.

Suggested including in Committee consideration on how to increase awareness among disadvantaged groups about available provision, as they are currently underutilized.

The Bill lacks substance, does not specify problem areas or aims for a review, and current Government support is sufficient. She highlights existing childcare initiatives funded by £3.6 billion in 2020 and an additional £44 million investment in early years education for 2021-22.

The Bill addresses discrepancies in appeals systems, promotes access to childcare schemes through better awareness campaigns, reviews the entire childcare system for high-quality, value-for-money early education enabling parents to work. It aims to ensure all families benefit from support and highlights a £660 million gap in funding.

Supports cross-Government engagement on early childhood intervention to tackle inequality. Highlights the importance of early years for a child's life outcomes and suggests engaging other Departments like DWP to inform vulnerable families about additional childcare opportunities.

Acknowledges cross-party support and praises Government schemes, noting the importance of promoting awareness. Supports funding commitments from the Budget but suggests legislation may not be necessary as there is already a commitment to improving promotion.

Praises early years teachers, advocates for a cross-Government approach, including family hubs. Suggests looking at shared parental leave to encourage more men to take time off with children. Supports increased spending per child and addressing staff-to-child ratios for better cost-efficiency.

The speaker supports the overall intent behind the Childcare (Early Years) Bill but cannot support it in its current wording. He emphasises the importance of early years education and childcare, highlighting the challenges faced by families in his constituency due to poor public transport and lack of financial resources. He praises government initiatives such as the Start for Life package, family hubs, and holiday activities programme, while also calling for further action on reducing childcare costs for one and two-year-olds.

Ms Richardson agrees with the importance of funding in early years investment and supports the clause to promote free childcare. She mentions her personal experience as a parent who used childcare services, acknowledges the work done by Department for Education members, and emphasises the role of nursery teachers in identifying special educational needs.

Mr Randall congratulates the hon. Member for Reading East on introducing the Bill and acknowledges societal changes that have made childcare more necessary. He supports the Government's current support measures, such as £14 million investment in family hubs, and suggests that primary legislation might not be required.

Mr Butler congratulates the hon. Member for Reading East on his campaign to raise awareness about free childcare and provides reassurance that extensive information is already available through government websites, statutory guidance, and support from local authorities.

The Minister acknowledges the importance of early years provision but argues that new legislation is not necessary. He highlights existing Government investments, including extending free childcare hours and creating a £1 billion fund for wraparound care. The Minister emphasises current efforts to improve take-up of tax-free childcare and support family hubs.

Expressed gratitude towards the Minister and cross-party collaboration. Acknowledged contributions from other Members who provided valuable insights.