Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Childcare: Accessibility, Affordability and Quality

Monday 16 January 2023 · 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Childcare is a Government priority with steps taken to increase use of existing schemes, including a 1.2 million campaign.
  • The Secretary of State has assured the House that further options are being considered to improve the affordability and availability of childcare.
  • The Government has introduced additional funding to prevent further closures of childcare providers, increasing hourly rates paid to providers.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Robin Walker Con
Children & Families
Context

The MP is concerned about parents' access to affordable, high-quality childcare and the government's commitment to improving it.

Question

I am concerned about the importance of childcare for parents and children. I acknowledge the progress made since 2010 but ask what further steps will be taken to improve affordability, flexibility, availability, and quality of childcare?

Answer from Gillian Keegan

Childcare is a Government priority. We met with the Chief Secretary to discuss this issue last week. Steps have been taken to increase use of existing schemes, including a £1.2 million campaign. Further options are being considered to improve affordability and availability of childcare.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific reforms or investments not detailed beyond considering all options

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Q2 Robin Walker Con
Children & Families
Context

Following the initial question, speculation about childcare prioritisation led to a supplementary inquiry.

Question

Childcare affordability and quality is high on parents' agenda. The media has speculated whether it remains a priority for the Government. Can she reassure the Committee of further reforms and investments?

Answer from Gillian Keegan

I assure the House that childcare is prioritised. We have taken steps to increase use of schemes, including a £1.2 million campaign. Further options are being considered to improve affordability and availability.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific reforms or investments not detailed beyond considering all options

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Q3 Emma Hardy Lab Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice
Children & Families
Context

A parent advocacy group highlighted a toolkit by the Child Poverty Action Group for schools to assess costs parents face throughout the academic year.

Question

Work done by the Child Poverty Action Group provides a toolkit for schools to identify and alleviate costs on parents. Will the Secretary of State encourage many schools, academy chains, and headteachers to use this toolkit?

Answer from Gillian Keegan

We are always focused on what more we can do. We have pupil premium funding, school uniform guidance, and the highest number of children benefiting from free school meals. Breakfast clubs have been introduced in deprived areas.

Not addressed: Did not address whether schools will be encouraged to adopt the toolkit

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Q4 Helen Hayes Lab Dulwich and West Norwood
Economy Energy Children & Families
Context

Over 5,000 childcare providers closed in 2022, with energy bills and wages rising, putting many more at risk of closure. The Government acknowledged underfunding for so-called free childcare.

Question

In 2022, over 5,000 childcare providers closed, and many local authorities saw a net loss of places. More are at risk due to energy bills and wage increases. What measures will be taken to prevent further closures?

Answer from Gillian Keegan

Ofsted data shows that the number of childcare places has remained stable since 2015. We announced additional funding at the spending review in 2021, increasing hourly rates paid to providers.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address steps to prevent closures specifically

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