Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Jen Craft and Stephen Morgan

Monday 4th November 2024 Commons Chamber

[Jen Craft (Thurrock) (Lab)]

7. What steps she is taking to make childcare more accessible.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Stephen Morgan)]

Ensuring that parents have access to affordable and high-quality childcare is a priority for this Government. We will focus on greater opportunities for every family to access early education, and on greater opportunities for children to thrive and develop. As an initial step, we have announced the bidding round for the first 300 school-based nurseries from next September.

[Jen Craft]

Many early years providers struggle to meet the needs of children with SEND. Lack of funds, lack of training and lack of specialist staff often mean that those that do provide a good or excellent service quickly become over-subscribed. What steps is the Department taking to reassure parents and carers of children with SEND that those children will have access to the childcare or early years provision in their areas that meets their needs?

[Stephen Morgan]

We are helping members of the workforce to develop the skills and confidence that will enable them to work effectively with children with SEND, and reviewing early years funding arrangements to ensure that they meet the needs of those children. I should be happy to meet my hon. Friend or visit her constituency to understand the issues that her local providers are facing.