Childcare in the UK is the most expensive in Europe the OECD found in January 2023. This adds to mounting evidence that high childcare costs are one of the reasons holding back growth in the UK economy and forcing women out of the workforce. Childcare costs have risen persistently in the last decade and childcare now makes up around 60% of the lifetime cost of a child for a couple working full time compared to around 40% in 2012, according to the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG). The Institute for Fiscal Studies in November 2022 found that Nurseries and pre-schools in the early years sector will see a fall of 8% in real terms funding by 2024, impacting early years providers across Oldham.

The cross-party Education Select Committee of MPs has launched an enquiry[i] into support for childcare and early years and is asking for the views of anyone affected by childcare costs, early years provision and the impact of cuts to Sure Start. The Select Committee has asked for evidence focused on the needs of children with Special Educational Needs and of families in the more deprived areas of England which include Oldham.

Councillor Leanne Munroe who leads on early years for Oldham Council said ‘This is a real chance to tell MPs what you think about support for childcare and early years – how much it costs, whether the system is easy to understand and use and if the way Government help is set up meets your needs. It is really important that everyone affected by this has their say and I urge you to write in. The Select Committee has asked seven very general questions and you can just write down what you think –  the link to send in your views is here: https://committees.parliament.uk/call-for-evidence/2999/ ‘

Councillor Munroe added ‘I will be telling the Select Committee what I think and I hope that parents and providers in Oldham will as well. Pregnant then screwed has also produced a really helpful guide with prompts to help you which is on their website[ii]. The Labour Party will transform childcare to give comprehensive help from the end of parental leave to Year 6 but until Labour wins power, it is really important to keep pressure up on the Tory Government.’

Evidence can be submitted until 19^th January 2023.