Oral Answers to Questions

Alice Macdonald Excerpts

Monday 20th October 2025 Commons Chamber

[Liam Conlon (Beckenham and Penge) (Lab)]

12. What steps she is taking to help increase the affordability of childcare.

[Alice Macdonald (Norwich North) (Lab/Co-op)]

17. What steps she is taking to help increase the affordability of childcare.

[Mr Speaker]

Welcome, Minister.

--- Later in debate ---

[Olivia Bailey]

I do agree with my hon. Friend, and I congratulate St Anthony’s and Oak Lodge, as well as my hon. Friend for being a tireless champion for his constituents. This Government have delivered 5,000 places at new school-based nurseries this year alone, with 7,000 more to come next September. I encourage Members across the House to get their local schools to apply for a phase 2 grant.

[Alice Macdonald]

As the Minister has said, nurseries are an important part of the childcare picture. Last month, I visited Mousehold infant and nursery school, which—thanks to the funding it has received from this Government—has been able to double the number of places it offers to families in Norwich North. The team there told me how this will make a real difference, as did families. Will the Minister join me in thanking the fantastic team at Mousehold, and expand a bit further on the steps being taken to ensure that more provision like this is accessible to families in my constituency and beyond?

[Olivia Bailey]

Absolutely—I thank the brilliant team at Mousehold, who are so dedicated to giving every child the help and support they need. This Government want every child to have the best start in life, which is why we have expanded childcare entitlements, are supporting schools to open new nurseries, and—after the Conservative party dismantled them—are bringing back family hubs in every community in our country.