Early Years Provision: Bell Review

Baroness Boycott Excerpts

Monday 21st October 2024 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Smith of Malvern (Lab)]

We are carrying out a short qualifications reform review precisely to identify the qualifications where there are particular needs for learners or for the economy—in this case, childcare. Unlike the previous Government, we are saying that where we can see for both those reasons that there is a particular need for qualifications, we will continue to fund them in the system. As I identified earlier, we are also supporting the development of a T-level, which will provide a very good and rigorous route for young people into the childcare sector. Also, through the “Do Something Big” campaign we are encouraging more people to consider a career in early years and childcare, which can have such an enormous impact on children’s lives.

[Baroness Boycott (CB)]

My Lords—

[Lord Kirkhope of Harrogate (Con)]

My Lords, what is so encouraging is the way fathers are now involved in looking after children, and it is very important—

[Lord Kennedy of Southwark (Lab Co-op)]

My Lords, we will turn to the Cross Benches next, and then we will hear from the noble Lord.

[Baroness Boycott (CB)]

My Lords, we have just come to the end of a report on ultra-processed and HFSS foods. When it comes to early years nutrition, it is quite a Wild West out there. For a start, we have the lowest rate of breastfeeding in Europe and the OECD, because there is very little support. When you get on to infant feeding formula, a lot is marketed at babies who are younger than six months and there is extreme confusion about the way that milks can be advertised.

[Noble Lords]

Question!

[Baroness Boycott (CB)]

My question is: will the Government take heed of our report and look at the way products are marketed to mothers when they are young, vulnerable and not very well off?