Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether her Department plans to undertake a review of the eligibility criteria for the 30 hours funded childcare scheme for those undertaking a PhD funded through UKRI and similar research councils.

It is our ambition that all families have access to high-quality, affordable and flexible early education and care, giving every child the best start in life and delivering on our Plan for Change.

The government recognises the value of parents continuing in education and provides a range of support for students in higher education to assist them with childcare.

The postgraduate master’s loan scheme and doctoral loans are available to help remove the financial barrier often faced by those wishing to step up to achieving a postgraduate qualification. These loans are not based on income and are intended as a contribution to the cost of study. They can be used by students according to their personal circumstances to cover the costs of fees and living costs including childcare.