Childcare Reform Package

Siobhan Baillie Excerpts

Wednesday 28th June 2023 Commons Chamber

[Claire Coutinho]

I absolutely will. It was a joy and a delight to visit Imagination nursery, which does outstanding work, and I congratulate it on its recent grade. I will take my hon. Friend’s point on board.

[Siobhan Baillie (Stroud) (Con)]

This is the first time in history that a Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer have put the early years at the centre of the country’s growth strategy. I note that an International Monetary Fund analyst singled it out in saying that

“supply-side measures, notably the increase in childcare support…should have a positive effect on medium-term growth”,

so that is absolutely welcome.

I cannot thank the Minister enough for visiting BarBar Nursery, Allsorts, and Curious Caterpillars Day Nursery. In our work with Onward, we have called for a national campaign on recruitment. If there is any possibility of that happening this year rather than next, I would like a commitment from the Department that it will get a wriggle on, because that is important.

Will the Minister work with the Local Government Association to have a good look at what different councils are doing, not only with the money flowing down from Government but on how often childminders are paid? I know of childminders who are paid only about three times a year. Not many of us could cope with that type of cashflow.

[Claire Coutinho]

As always, my hon. Friend makes excellent points on this matter. I will absolutely consider her point about childminders and will ensure that I continue to talk to her. She has been incredibly helpful throughout this process and in securing the funding.