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Written question asked by Jacob Rees-Mogg (Conservative) on Tuesday, 31 January 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 2 February 2023. It was answered by Claire Coutinho (Conservative) on Friday, 10 February 2023 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Childcare: Fees and Charges

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether her Department is taking steps to ensure that parents are able to access 30 hours of free childcare without having to purchase extra hours.

Answer

The department’s statutory guidance for local authorities advises that providers can charge for additional hours or services outside of the free entitlement hours, but this cannot be a condition for a parent to access a place. The guidance is available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/718179/Early_education_and_childcare-statutory_guidance.pdf.

The department does not collect data on parents who choose not to take up a place due to additional charges.

Parents who want to access their free hours entitlement without paying for additional costs should contact their local authority if they are having difficulty finding a place. Local authorities have a statutory duty to secure sufficient 30 hours free childcare places under the Childcare (Free of Charge for Working Parents) (England) Regulations 2022. The regulations are available at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2022/1134/made/data.pdf.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
136732
Session
2022-23
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Childcare Fees and charges
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk