Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Early Years Settings: Educational Development

Monday 18 January 2021 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government advises that early years settings should remain open to all children during the covid-19 outbreak.
  • The Government is setting up a national centre for family hubs to spread successful approaches across the country.
  • A 1 billion catch-up package has been committed to help children catch up in educational development when schools can fully reopen.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jack Brereton Con
Education Children & Families
Context

The early years are crucial for a child's development, and education cannot be delivered online effectively. The Government prioritised getting children back to nurseries and childminders in June.

Question

What steps is the Department taking to support the educational development of children in early years settings during the covid-19 outbreak?

Answer from Vicky Ford

Early years education cannot be delivered online. The Government advises that early years settings should remain open to all children, and they are working with early years organisations to ensure no young child gets left behind.

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Q2 Nickie Aiken
Children & Families
Context

The review team has found that family hubs play a vital role in ensuring every infant gets the best start in life, including their educational development.

Question

Does my hon. Friend agree with the finding that family hubs play a crucial role in early years development and support?

Answer from Vicky Ford

I so agree with my hon. Friend. The Government is setting up a national centre for family hubs to spread successful approaches across the country, such as that in Westminster.

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Q3 Jack Brereton Con
Education
Context

The impact of the pandemic on children who are unable to attend school is significant, and there is a need for action to ensure they catch up quickly.

Question

What measures will be taken to help children catch up in educational development when schools can fully reopen?

Answer from Vicky Ford

A £1 billion catch-up package has been committed, including a universal £650 million catch-up premium and a £350 million national tutoring programme. The Education Endowment Foundation has published guidance to support catch-up efforts for the youngest children.

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