Childcare

The speaker highlighted the need for more inclusive language in discussing childcare and criticized the UK Government's limited paternity leave allowance. She also noted that while the Welsh Labour Government has a robust childcare system, nurseries across England are closing at an alarming rate, with 442 losing their Ofsted registration over the last year.

The speaker, although representing Scotland where childcare is devolved, expressed concern about the high costs of childcare in England pushing families into poverty. She pointed out that 30 hours of free childcare per week offered by the UK Government is insufficiently funded and exacerbates existing inequalities. She highlighted the economic benefits of good quality childcare and stressed the need for bold policies to address the gender pay gap, with affordable and high-quality childcare being a key starting point.

Mackrory thanked early years workers for their efforts during the pandemic and shared her personal experience with the Government's 30 hours scheme. She expressed hope for Cornwall's potential involvement in pilot schemes for early years sectors and acknowledged the challenges faced by parents today due to rising costs, particularly housing.

Reeves highlighted the critical importance of early years education for a child's development, expressing concern over the financial crisis facing childcare providers. She cited figures showing 2,500 provider closures this year alone and 12,000 lost since 2015, with 30,000 more at risk in the next year. She also mentioned that analysis by Pregnant Then Screwed indicated 345,000 women are at risk of losing their jobs due to further closures.

Fleur Anderson highlighted the high costs of childcare in the UK, citing that it is one of the most expensive systems globally. She mentioned that over 130,000 people signed a petition for a review on childcare issues. In her constituency, childcare costs are 30% higher than average and up to 50% more than other regions. Anderson shared personal experiences struggling with childcare costs and emphasised the importance of secure funding for nurseries. Inquired about councils' childcare sufficiency reports and their impact on assessing whether there are sufficient places in the right areas, highlighting concerns over closures in deprived areas.

Grandparents often step in to provide necessary childcare, but this uneven pattern results in different levels of child development.

Discussed the affordability of childcare and its impact on families. Mentioned a case where £50 extra monthly income disqualifies families from more substantial financial help in Strangford, leading to tough choices such as reduced working hours or reliance on grandparents. Highlighted that about 14 million UK grandparents regularly care for grandchildren, saving approximately £6.8 billion nationally but at the cost of their quality of life and health. He supported Angela Crawley's points, noting that grandparents should not be burdened with childcare responsibilities due to physical limitations. He called for the government to address this issue through policy responses.

Ms Baillie thanked the Petitions Committee and those who signed a petition to secure debate on childcare. She highlighted five key points: retaining talent of parents with young children, acknowledging working mothers' productivity potential, recognising early years staff, ensuring system improvement for parental choice, and avoiding politicisation of the issue. Ms Baillie noted that 60% of disadvantaged two-year-olds benefit from free childcare weekly and praised efforts such as a £1 billion flexible childcare services fund.

Asked the Minister to address why only 13% of eligible families from the bottom third income bracket are taking up the 30 hours of free childcare, suggesting that current funding means some poorest families cannot afford it. Stella Creasy challenged the Minister's claim that no childcare places have closed, citing evidence from the National Day Nurseries Association which showed a net loss of 400 nurseries in 2020-21 compared to an increase of 300 in 2019-20.

Stresses the importance of reviewing childcare funding, citing nearly 113,000 signatures for an e-petition. Points out a £62 million underspend by councils in early years funding and a shortfall of almost £3,000 per child per year for every 30-hours place. Expresses concern over the closure of nurseries due to financial pressures, disproportionately affecting poorer families.

Investing in early years provision and education is crucial for social mobility. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of childcare providers. A constituent mentioned that a teacher's salary almost entirely goes towards childcare costs. There is urgent need to resolve funding issues for maintained nursery schools which face an uncertain future without supplementary funding.

The MP highlighted the importance of childcare, noting that over 100,000 people signed a petition supporting it. She criticised the Government's underfunding of free childcare policies and the lack of support during the pandemic, leading to a £662 million funding gap and significant childcare provider losses. She also mentioned the financial burden on families and childcare workers' low wages.

Raised concern that one in 10 childcare workers lives in poverty, questioning if this is acceptable.