Source · Select Committees · Women and Equalities Committee
Recommendation 23
23
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A reliable and affordable childcare system is a prerequisite of a gender equal economy and...
Conclusion
A reliable and affordable childcare system is a prerequisite of a gender equal economy and a gender equal recovery from the pandemic. Yet, the childcare sector could 42 Unequal impact? Coronavirus and the gendered economic impact hardly have been in worse financial shape on the eve of the pandemic and a system already not working for many parents buckled during the pandemic. A chronic lack of investment has resulted in long-standing workforce and financial challenges for the early years sector.
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114
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
The Government recognises the extra pressures faced by those balancing work with childcare and home-schooling. We know that much of this falls on women, with ONS figures highlighting that in households with a child aged under 5 years, women did on average 78% more childcare than men. While this gender gap narrowed to just 20% with children aged 5 to 10-years, it highlights just how significant it was that in the most recent national lockdown, England and Wales chose to keep early years settings open for all children, whilst vulnerable children and children of key workers could also continue to attend school and college, and access out-of-school and wraparound childcare. We have spent over £3.5 billion in each of the last three years on our early education entitlements and the Government continues to support families with their childcare costs. The Chancellor announced on 25 November a £44 million investment for 2021–22, for local authorities to increase hourly rates paid to childcare providers for the government’s free childcare offers. We have pledged a new £1 billion fund to help created more high quality, affordable childcare, including before and after school and during the school holidays. And we are already delivering on that pledge with a £220 million Holiday Activities and Food Programme to provide enriching summer activities and a healthy meal for disadvantaged children in the Easter, Summer and Christmas holidays in 2021. We have also taken action to align key Tax-Free Childcare and 30 hours free childcare entitlements with Coronavirus Government job support schemes. The Government is continuing to work with the early years sector to understand how they can best be supported to ensure that sufficient safe and affordable childcare is available for those who need it now, and for all families who need it in the longer term.