Source · Select Committees · Women and Equalities Committee
Recommendation 24
24
Paragraph: 115
Given this backdrop, many childcare providers were vulnerable to the economic turmoil generated by the...
Recommendation
Given this backdrop, many childcare providers were vulnerable to the economic turmoil generated by the pandemic. The Government’s financial support for the sector has not been sufficiently generous nor has it been targeted to the specific needs of providers. Even with Government support, the significant drop off in private fees means many providers are likely to have run at a significant loss. Given that women make up the vast majority of the childcare workforce, and that mothers continue to bear the main responsibility for childcare, there is a clear gendered impact. The Government must commit to urgent short-term financial support and a sustainable and holistic long-term strategy.
Paragraph Reference:
115
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.