Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether the cross-government review of early education and childcare support is considering the potential costs and merits of introducing an hourly childcare subsidy model.

The rollout of the expanded entitlements for childcare support means we are delivering more support to families than ever before and transforming the cost of childcare. Eligible working parents of children from nine months old are now able to access 30 hours a week and save an average of £8,000 a year per child.

The department aims to provide a continued provision for all families to access the high quality, affordable and flexible early education and care that makes a difference to children’s outcomes. This will help alleviate the cost of living and support parents to work.

We know the current system is confusing to navigate both for parents and providers. The Early Education and Childcare Review is working to review options to make the system simpler and fairer for every family. As part of this initiative, we are considering a wide range of evidence and ideas from across government, stakeholders and external organisations.