[Mr Laurence Robertson in the Chair]

Mr Sobel highlighted the struggles faced by early years settings during the pandemic, including lack of funding and support. He noted that many providers are at risk due to the current variant's increased transmissibility and government decisions. He shared concerns from childcare staff who feel unprotected and undervalued, with some feeling obliged to work despite health risks. Mr Sobel called for urgent action on vaccination, clear guidelines, adequate PPE, financial support based on pre-pandemic attendance, and recognition of the crucial role early years settings play in education and family stability. Asked the Minister for additional information on a timeline, noting that more details were provided during the debate than in written answers.

The MP highlighted difficulties faced by early years settings during the pandemic, including financial pressures and decreased income. He called for scientific guidance to be provided to all Members of the House and prioritized vaccination for key workers in the sector. The MP also stressed the importance of funding support and advocated for solutions such as extending VAT holidays on PPE for private providers. Concerns were raised about the long-term viability of private nurseries and the need for greater prevalence of vaccines and testing in nurseries and child-minders. He emphasized the necessity for a meaningful funding review to ensure early years settings are world-class.

Jim Shannon highlighted the challenges faced by early years services in Northern Ireland during lockdown, noting that many charities and service providers struggled to adapt due to a lack of technological readiness. He cited concerns about missed vital support for vulnerable children and families, especially in areas like breastfeeding and parental mental health. Shannon noted that virtual offerings created an uneven playing field, with some families unable to be reached through online platforms, thus facing greater disadvantages.

Ms Green highlighted concerns over safety and funding for early years staff during the pandemic. She criticised the lack of scientific evidence backing the decision to keep settings open while primary schools closed, and urged for regular mass testing in these settings. She also raised issues regarding insufficient financial support for providers, such as absence cover and additional costs not covered by schools. Clarified whether occupational roles will be considered after the first four categories or after all nine categories laid out by the Government. Also expressed confusion about the sequencing of these considerations, specifically asking if it comes after the over-60s category.

Ms Osborne highlighted the confusion caused by keeping nurseries open while primary schools moved to remote learning. She expressed concerns about social distancing difficulties and called for regular mass testing and prioritisation of early years workers in vaccine distribution. Ms Osborne also raised issues with funding, noting that 20,000 providers could face collapse without full funding of early-entitlement places. She highlighted the crucial role nurseries play beyond childcare, including emergency services during the pandemic.

The MP expressed concern over the Government's decision to keep early years settings open during a national lockdown. He cited expert opinions suggesting nurseries should be closed due to high transmission risks and the difficulty in social distancing with young children. The lack of regular testing and support for these settings, combined with unchanged funding models despite increased costs from the pandemic, were highlighted as major issues.

The hon. Member for Putney is congratulated on introducing the debate, and Steve Brine highlights that demand for childcare places is 21% lower than in 2019. He mentions a survey by the Early Years Alliance showing 56% of providers saying that basing fees on current occupancy would negatively impact them. Without government support, some big closures could occur by late spring. The lack of clarity around funding for self-isolating staff and closed bubbles is also noted as a challenge for nurseries. Childminders are particularly impacted by temporary closure due to positive tests. He urges an independent review of early years policy and funding.