Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Mike Wood and Sam Gyimah

Monday 30th November 2015 Commons Chamber

[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.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Mike Wood and Sam Gyimah

Monday 20th July 2015 Commons Chamber

[Mr Gyimah]

We need to consult widely to understand the issues, but what we do know is that, around the country, the funding for schools with the same characteristics are based on historical allocation, rather than on the needs of either the school or the pupil.

[Mike Wood (Dudley South) (Con)]

T7. Too many families in Brierley Hill and Wordsley in my constituency are unable to secure places at local schools. What plans do the Government have to meet demand for places in Dudley South?

[Mr Gyimah]

Supporting local authorities to deliver sufficient places is one of this Government’s top priorities. Dudley local authority has been allocated £8.9 million of basic need funding for the period 2015-18. This will help to create the places required.