Government's Childcare Expansion

The Minister has made a significant announcement regarding the government's plans to expand school-based nurseries and address the issue of "top-up fees" for funded childcare hours. The Minister stated that the government believes all children deserve access to high-quality early education, regardless of their background or their parents' income. The Minister revealed that the government will provide a £15 million capital funding pot to enable primary schools to apply for grants of up to £150,000 to establish or expand their on-site nurseries. These new or expanded nurseries are expected to open across England from the start of the next school year. The Minister emphasized that school-based nurseries cater for a higher proportion of children with special educational needs and disabilities, and offer a greater share of nursery places in the most deprived areas, making them a crucial part of the government's strategy. Addressing the issue of "top-up fees," the Minister stated that the government will not accept any mandatory additional charges or preferential treatment towards parents who purchase optional extras as a condition for accessing funded childcare places. The Department will engage with local authorities, providers, and parents to develop and clarify guidance on this matter, with the aim of protecting parents from overcharging. The Minister also provided an update on the government's progress in delivering the new childcare entitlements, including the 15 hours per week of government-funded early education for working parents of children aged nine months and above, which has now been accessed by over 320,000 additional children. The Minister acknowledged the challenges in delivering this scheme and the significant shortage of staff and places, but reiterated the government's commitment to honoring the promise made by the previous government to further expand the funded childcare entitlement to 30 hours per week for working parents by September 2025. Additionally, the Minister announced the government's response to the consultation on strengthening safeguarding requirements in the statutory early years foundation stage framework. The proposed changes, which will be implemented from September 2025, aim to formalise existing best practices and ensure that all early years educators have the knowledge and support they need to deliver safe, high-quality early education and childcare. The Minister also highlighted the government's efforts to support childminders, including the introduction of new flexibilities to help them join and stay in the profession, as well as the allocation of £130 million to local authorities to begin delivering new wraparound childcare places for primary school-aged children. Furthermore, the Minister announced the government's commitment to introducing free breakfast clubs in up to 750 early adopter schools from April 2025, with the aim of expanding the program to every state-funded school with primary school-aged children. In conclusion, the Minister's statement outlines the government's comprehensive plan to improve the availability, affordability, and quality of early education and childcare, with the goal of ensuring that every child in England has the best possible start in life.