Oral Answers to Questions

Julia Lopez Excerpts

Monday 16th June 2025 Commons Chamber

[Bridget Phillipson]

It is because we know the benefits that primary-based nurseries can bring, often working with the private, voluntary and independent sector, that we are determined to move as fast as we can to deliver the next phase. I look forward to discussing that further with my hon. Friend. I am delighted that families in Redditch and right across the country will benefit from the expansion of free school meals eligibility to all families in receipt of universal credit, lifting 100,000 children out of poverty and putting money back in the pockets of parents.

[Julia Lopez (Hornchurch and Upminster) (Con)]

Does the Secretary of State monitor the number of private nursery closures? If so, can she tell us how many have closed since the Budget?

[Bridget Phillipson]

Yes, we continue to keep that under review, especially ahead of the further expansion of childcare in September. The figures will be published in the usual way, and we will make sure that we have the workforce there to deliver on the commitments that have been made. I say to the hon. Lady that in addition to almost doubling the early years pupil premium, we put in place a £75 million expansion grant to make sure that ahead of the further roll-out in September, all our early years settings can deliver the places that are needed.