Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many meetings the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Childcare and Early Years has had with parents of disabled children about improving access, affordability and quality of childcare for disabled children since he was appointed.

My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children and Families is responsible for special educational needs and disability issues within the Department for Education. He has had numerous meetings with the parents of disabled children to discuss a wide range of issues. I have regular meetings with all of my ministerial colleagues on subjects of mutual interest.

The guidance in the draft Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice includes a separate chapter on the early years and also makes clear that local authorities must include details of childcare for disabled children in their local offer of support for children who are disabled or have special educational needs.