Oral Answers to Questions

John Whitby Excerpts

Monday 21st July 2025 Commons Chamber

[James Asser (West Ham and Beckton) (Lab)]

7. What steps she is taking to increase the number of children meeting the early learning goals.

[John Whitby (Derbyshire Dales) (Lab)]

22. What steps her Department is taking to ensure more children receive support during their early years.

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

Our landmark strategy on giving every child the best start in life sets out plans to deliver Best Start family hubs to make access to early education easier and more affordable, and to improve quality in settings and reception classes. The strategy is backed by £1.5 billion over the next three years, and Government spending on the funded hours will reach £9 billion next year and will continue to rise over the Parliament.

[Stephen Morgan]

I thank my hon. Friend for our excellent visit to Curwen primary school last week, where I saw excellent work on supporting children’s speech and language to deliver for some of our most vulnerable children and families. Our spending review commitments are a downpayment on the child poverty strategy to build on expanding free breakfast clubs and free school meals, boost the national minimum wage and cap universal credit deductions through the fair repayment rate.

[John Whitby (Derbyshire Dales) (Lab)]

Sure Start, which was created by the previous Labour Government, boosted attainment, improved health outcomes and increased long-term earnings. However, under the Conservatives, more than 30 children’s centres in Derbyshire were closed, and Derbyshire now does not have a single family hub. What action will the Government take to ensure that more young children in Derbyshire can once again access support during their early years?

[Stephen Morgan]

It was a pleasure to visit my hon. Friend’s constituency recently, too. He is a real champion for children and young people. We will fund Best Start family hubs in every local authority, including in Derbyshire. We estimate that the expansion could reach half a million children across the country. Best Start family hubs will be open to all and based in disadvantaged communities, where they are needed most.