Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 2
2
Accepted
Commit government departments to effective cross-departmental working for childcare reforms
Recommendation
The childcare and early years education system is already spread across multiple departments and local authorities. Government must commit to effective cross- government working, both centrally and locally. This will be vital to ensure that these reforms are delivered effectively and equitably, and that the opportunities for parents and children are realised. (Paragraph 19) A fair market for providers
Government Response Summary
The government agrees on the importance of cross-government working and provides examples of current collaborative efforts across departments like DfE, HMRC, DWP, and DHSC, and with local authorities, to deliver childcare reforms and support families.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
11. As the Committee recognises, cross Government working must happen at a local, as well as national level. On subsequent pages, we set out the steps that Government is taking to engage with local authorities, including on current sufficiency of childcare and the support needed to deliver the expansion in childcare provision. 12. This Government regularly works collaboratively across departments and with local authorities to deliver a childcare system that works for families and improves outcomes for children. 13. Our Childcare Choices communications campaign is an excellent example of working across multiple departments to maximise impact and ensure join-up. DfE, His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) work in partnership to deliver the Childcare Choices campaign, as well as working with other central departments and local Government to amplify key messages. This campaign aims to ensure parents know about the Government-funded support they are eligible for and how to access it. The new entitlements will be included within this campaign (alongside existing 30 hours, TFC and UC) to build awareness and take-up of the first phase of entitlements expansion from April 2024 through the use of a range of paid activity and low/no cost stakeholder outreach. 14. DfE also works closely with DWP to help local authorities to reach disadvantaged and low-income households on Universal Credit to access 15 hours free early education for 2-year-olds, and the other offers families are entitled to. This collaboration supports employment outcomes for parents and improved education outcomes for children. DfE and the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) are also working together to deliver the £300m investment in Family Hubs and Start for Life services.