Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Department for Education

Oral Answers to Questions

Wera Hobhouse Excerpts
Monday 16th January 2023

(1 year, 10 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Claire Coutinho Portrait Claire Coutinho
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My right hon. Friend has consistently and passionately campaigned for the maintained nursery school sector. I agree that it is doing an excellent job, not only in supporting some of the most disadvantaged children, but in sharing expertise and knowledge with other providers.

Wera Hobhouse Portrait Wera Hobhouse (Bath) (LD)
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Sadly, Midford Road Nursery in my constituency was forced to close its doors. Staff shortages were the major reason. Many nurseries in Bath face similar problems, and parents struggle to find alternatives. What advice would the Minister give to parents in Bath who are struggling to find a nursery?

Claire Coutinho Portrait Claire Coutinho
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We have increased the funding set out for early years by about half a billion pounds since 2020-21. I agree that workforce is an issue; we are looking at recruitment and retention very carefully and will be setting out proposals as and when we can.