Affordable and Accessible Childcare 2022-07-04
2022-07-04
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from concerns about the rising costs of childcare and its impact on parents and providers.
What steps he is taking to ensure that childcare is affordable and accessible, given the soaring cost and pressure on parents and providers?
We are committed to improving cost, choice and availability of childcare. We have spent over £3.5 billion in each of the past three years on education and tax-free childcare. We spend between £4 billion and £5 billion annually on the childcare element of universal credit. Today, we announced further measures to increase take-up of support and reduce costs and bureaucracy.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific new commitments or timelines for making childcare more affordable and accessible beyond existing efforts.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns about the effectiveness of current government policies and the need for a comprehensive recovery plan.
Given the soaring cost of childcare, would it be better to introduce a childcare recovery plan with proper investment in the sector? Will he look at funding specific parts like maintained nurseries?
We have announced £10 million support for maintained nurseries. We are investing up to £180 million specifically on early years recovery, including £153 million investment in professional development for practitioners due to tight labour market.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to a comprehensive childcare recovery plan or specific measures beyond the announced support and investments.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns about potential changes to staffing ratios and their impact on quality of care.
What discussions has the Secretary of State had with Ofsted regarding proposed changes to staffing ratios, and when will further details be published?
Ofsted has been central to our work; we are consulting on ratio issues. We also look at childminder market, helping them with fees once registered, ensuring inspections are proportionate and rewarding their work.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details of discussions with Ofsted or timeline for publishing further information.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns about the effectiveness of changing staff-to-child ratios in reducing childcare costs.
Can the Secretary of State guarantee that proposed changes to staff-to-child ratios will make a meaningful difference to childcare costs for families?
If cost is passed on, it's about £40 per family. This is part of a package including tax-free childcare and universal credit. Consultation aims to ensure quality and safety in the childcare system.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a direct guarantee that staffing ratio changes will make a meaningful difference to costs for families.
Response accuracy