Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Nursery Provision: Greater London

Monday 2 March 2026 · 2 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial Questions discussed nursery provision in Greater London on 2026-03-02
  • Gareth Bacon inquired about steps taken to improve nursery provision in Greater London
  • The Minister highlighted the best start in life strategy, expanding childcare access and saving families money

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Gareth Bacon Con Orpington
Children & Families
Context

The MP is concerned about the steps taken to improve nursery provision in Greater London.

Question

What steps she has taken to help improve nursery provision in Greater London.

Answer from Olivia Bailey

Our best start in life strategy is expanding access to childcare, saving working families £7,500 a year and getting record proportions of children ready for school. We work closely with local authorities to ensure the quality and sufficiency of childcare, including across Greater London.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps for Greater London not detailed

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Q2 Gareth Bacon Con Orpington
Education Children & Families
Context

A pre-school in the MP's constituency closed unexpectedly, leading to anxiety among parents. A new setting, Phoenix Early Learners, was opened within six weeks. The MP seeks to thank Ofsted and the Charity Commission for their support and pay tribute to the staff and volunteers.

Question

I thank the Minister for her response. Late last year, with relatively little notice, the trustees of a pre-school in my constituency, Crofton Early Learners, decided to close the pre-school, meaning that 40 sets of parents had a very anxious Christmas wondering and worrying about what childcare they would have in the new year. The very good news is that—thanks to the dedicated work of former staff, volunteers and parents—a new setting called Phoenix Early Learners was opened within just six weeks. Will the Minister join me in thanking both Ofsted and the Charity Commission for fast-tracking the paperwork necessary, and in paying tribute to the staff, carers, volunteers and new trustees of the new early learning centre for all the great work they have done for the local community?

Answer from Olivia Bailey

Absolutely. I congratulate the hon. Gentleman and all the parents and volunteers, Ofsted, and the early years professionals who have opened at impressive speed what sounds like a fantastic new provision for their community. I am pleased that the Government's investment in childcare, which will total £9.5 billion this year, is helping ensure that more children have a fantastic early education and are supported to get ready for school.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific tribute to staff and volunteers not detailed

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