Written questions

Childcare

Commons · Question 112128 · Tabled 10 Feb 2026 · Department for Education · Official record

Answered 23 Feb 2026

Question

Asked by Jim Shannon

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she has taken since July 2024 to (i) expand childcare provision and (ii) help tackle the affordability of childcare costs for working families.

Answer

Answered by Olivia Bailey, 23 Feb 2026

Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only. The government began a phased expansion of funded childcare in 2024, introducing 15 hours of funded childcare for eligible working parents of two-year-olds in Apri...