Childcare Reform Package

Debate between Claire Coutinho and Siobhan Baillie

Wednesday 28th June 2023 Commons Chamber

[Claire Coutinho]

I absolutely will. It was a joy and a delight to visit Imagination nursery, which does outstanding work, and I congratulate it on its recent grade. I will take my hon. Friend’s point on board.

[Siobhan Baillie (Stroud) (Con)]

This is the first time in history that a Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer have put the early years at the centre of the country’s growth strategy. I note that an International Monetary Fund analyst singled it out in saying that

“supply-side measures, notably the increase in childcare support…should have a positive effect on medium-term growth”,

so that is absolutely welcome.

I cannot thank the Minister enough for visiting BarBar Nursery, Allsorts, and Curious Caterpillars Day Nursery. In our work with Onward, we have called for a national campaign on recruitment. If there is any possibility of that happening this year rather than next, I would like a commitment from the Department that it will get a wriggle on, because that is important.

Will the Minister work with the Local Government Association to have a good look at what different councils are doing, not only with the money flowing down from Government but on how often childminders are paid? I know of childminders who are paid only about three times a year. Not many of us could cope with that type of cashflow.

[Claire Coutinho]

As always, my hon. Friend makes excellent points on this matter. I will absolutely consider her point about childminders and will ensure that I continue to talk to her. She has been incredibly helpful throughout this process and in securing the funding.

SEND and Alternative Provision

Debate between Claire Coutinho and Siobhan Baillie

Monday 6th March 2023 Commons Chamber

[Siobhan Baillie (Stroud) (Con)]

Stroud district families of children with special educational needs are exhausted from battling. Schools raise SEND all the time, so more power to the Minister’s elbow for the welcome systemic changes she is trying to work through. I would like to hear more about the Department’s work with local authorities, because it is the day-to-day experiences that are exhausting many parents, in councils all over the country of all different colours. Getting back to people, managing expectations and giving advice about delays all need to work better, because they are causing additional stress for families who absolutely do not need it.

[Claire Coutinho]

My hon. Friend is passionate about this area. She is absolutely right, and I have heard from parents in my area and across the country that it is the daily grind of poor communication that can wear them down. We will set out more guidance and training for SEN caseworkers in councils, and better communication standards, to stop that happening to parents.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Claire Coutinho and Siobhan Baillie

Monday 16th January 2023 Commons Chamber

[Siobhan Baillie (Stroud) (Con)]

T8. Parents of children with special educational needs feel that they are constantly battling to be heard and for their children to lead fulfilling lives. Some Stroud children are getting only a few hours of schooling each week, which is hugely disruptive for family and child. I am working with Gloucestershire County Council’s Phil Robinson to improve day-to-day experiences for Stroud families, but what is my hon. Friend doing to ensure that the local authorities and parents are key to implementing the new reforms?

[Claire Coutinho]

I am really exercised about this issue. I speak to parents of children with SEND all the time, and I do think that they find the experience very adversarial. I will be setting out more details in the implementation strategy shortly, but this is something that I care very passionately about.