Oral Answers to Questions

Mike Wood Excerpts

Monday 30th November 2015 Commons Chamber

[Mr Gibb]

I am grateful to the hon. Lady for raising that matter with me. I will, of course, look at the case in detail and write to her.

[Mike Wood (Dudley South) (Con)]

11. What steps the Government is taking to give parents a greater say in access to holiday and wrap-around care.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Mr Sam Gyimah)]

Childcare is the key issue for many parents, not just for under-fives, but for all children. That is why my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced in October that parents will be granted a new right to request wrap-around or holiday childcare at their school. Childcare providers will also be given the right to request the use of school sites outside school hours to provide this care.

[Mike Wood]

Flexibility is key in the provision of childcare, for both school-age and pre-school children. Can the Minister assure my constituents that, as the Government extend childcare provision, they will allow for greater flexibility over things such as drop-off and pick-up times?

[Mr Gyimah]

The autumn statement set out the record levels of funding available to deliver our pledge of 30 hours of free childcare. As working fathers, my hon. Friend and I know that it is not just about the money; it is about flexible childcare available when it is needed. We will be consulting in the new year on ways to deliver that.