Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Affordable and Accessible Childcare

Monday 4 July 2022 · 4 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial commitment to improving cost, choice and availability of childcare.
  • Spent over 3.5 billion in each of the past three years on education and tax-free childcare.
  • Announced 10 million support for maintained nurseries and up to 180 million for early years recovery.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Matt Rodda Lab Reading Central
Children & Families
Context

The question arises from concerns about the rising costs of childcare and its impact on parents and providers.

Question

What steps he is taking to ensure that childcare is affordable and accessible, given the soaring cost and pressure on parents and providers?

Answer from Nadhim Zahawi

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific new commitments or timelines for making childcare more affordable and accessible beyond existing efforts.

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Q2 Matt Rodda Lab Reading Central
Children & Families
Context

Concerns about the effectiveness of current government policies and the need for a comprehensive recovery plan.

Question

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?

Answer from Nadhim Zahawi

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to a comprehensive childcare recovery plan or specific measures beyond the announced support and investments.

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Q3 Steve Brine Con
Children & Families
Context

Concerns about potential changes to staffing ratios and their impact on quality of care.

Question

What discussions has the Secretary of State had with Ofsted regarding proposed changes to staffing ratios, and when will further details be published?

Answer from Nadhim Zahawi

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific details of discussions with Ofsted or timeline for publishing further information.

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Q4 Helen Hayes Lab Dulwich and West Norwood
Benefits & Welfare Children & Families
Context

Concerns about the effectiveness of changing staff-to-child ratios in reducing childcare costs.

Question

Can the Secretary of State guarantee that proposed changes to staff-to-child ratios will make a meaningful difference to childcare costs for families?

Answer from Nadhim Zahawi

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a direct guarantee that staffing ratio changes will make a meaningful difference to costs for families.

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