Child Welfare

Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton Excerpts

Wednesday 5th July 2017 Lords Chamber

[Viscount Younger of Leckie]

I would certainly need to look at that specific issue. It is something that I will need to report back to the right reverend Prelate on, and I will do so.

[Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton (Lab)]

My Lords, in talking to other departments, will the Minister draw to the attention of the Department for Education the factors listed in the report, all of which contribute to under-potential attainment by children? Will he point out that such children need nursery education and many families need adult education, along with social care? There are far too many children growing up in households with problems that adults would find impossible to overcome.

[Viscount Younger of Leckie]

Well, indeed. The whole House will agree that every child needs and deserves the best possible start in life. The noble Baroness referred to early years and childcare. All three and four year-olds and the least advantaged two year-olds can access 15 hours a week of funded early education. The proportion of all children achieving a good level of development is improving year on year, but it remains work in progress.