Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether her Department is taking steps to support early years providers with increases in employer National Insurance contributions.

This government has had to take some tough decisions to get public finances back on track, but we are continuing to invest in the early years sector, supporting the delivery of expanded childcare entitlements and recognising the vital role the sector plays in giving children the best start in life.

In the 2025/26 financial year alone, this government plans to spend over £8 billion on early years entitlements, with an additional £75 million provided in an expansion grant to ensure there are sufficient places and staff for eligible working families to access their 30 hours entitlement from September 2025. Further, we announced the largest ever uplift to the early years pupil premium, increasing the rate by over 45% compared to 2024/25 financial year, which is equivalent to up to £570 per eligible child per year. On top of this, we are providing £25 million through the forthcoming National Insurance Contributions grant for public sector employers in early years.