CHILDCARE AND EARLY-YEARS EDUCATION ROLL OUT

That this House notes the introduction of the Government's extended childcare entitlement of 30 hours per week from 1 September 2017; is concerned by inadequate levels of funding paid to local authorities to enact the policy; further notes that regulations prohibit childcare providers requesting top-ups which means that these highly-skilled and qualified professionals, all of whom are required to be Ofsted tested and obtain at least level 3 childcare qualifications, are forced to be creative in how they secure the correct funding that has not been supplied by the Government; is appalled at reports of parents having to bear additional and inflated costs to ensure that providers receive enough money to earn a living; and notes that the Government is receiving credit for an initiative which is not actually delivering free childcare.