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Written question asked by Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi (Labour) on Tuesday, 30 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 2 July 2026. It was answered by Olivia Bailey (Labour) on Wednesday, 8 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Extended Services: Berkshire

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent assessment she has made of the affordability of wraparound childcare in (a) Slough and (b) Berkshire.

Answer

We want families to access the childcare support they need and get help with the cost of childcare, so that parents can work and children have the best start in life. We are rolling out free breakfast clubs across the country to support families with work choices and tackle the costs of wraparound childcare. From September 2026 more than 1,400 more schools will be running free breakfast clubs, saving parents up to £450 a year. This includes three free breakfast clubs in Slough, alongside more than 2,700 in total across England.

The government continues to support wraparound and holiday provision, including providing £12.9 million to local authorities this financial year to support school-age childcare, and more than £600m over three years to deliver the Holiday Activities and Food programme.

The Coram Childcare Survey 2025 assessed the average price of an after-school club for a week as £66.48. To help with affordability, eligible parents can access support with childcare costs through Tax-Free Childcare, Universal Credit Childcare and The Flexible Support Fund.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
14417
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Berkshire Extended services
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk