Chloe Smith: the chance of childcare

Chloe Smith, MP for Norwich North, today spoke in the Commons second reading of the Childcare Bill, calling on businesses to take the opportunity to provide more places in Norwich.

 

Her speech highlighted the shortage of childcare places currently in north Norwich, and outlined the opportunity represented by this Bill in doubling the number of hours to be paid for by the taxpayer, for working parents of three and four year olds.

 

Chloe says: 

 

“I’ve spoken to scores of Norwich parents and childcare settings who welcome this Bill.  It is an election manifesto pledge and I’m proud of it.

 

“Parents might be working hard already and wanting more security against the costs of childcare, or perhaps one of a couple wants to be able to get into work, or back to work, and the costs of childcare are just not even worth it.  This Bill helps those parents, by doubling the free hours of childcare they can use, from 15 to 30.”

 

Her speech outlines the transformative effect of this policy for:

 

·         The parents who can manage their household finances that much more easily

• The parents who can now choose to go to work
• The parents who can now afford to change their career if they wish
• The child who can benefit from high quality early-years education
• The local business that can benefit from its workforce being better supported, less stressed, more resilient
• And the local businesses that are the nurseries and childcare providers which can now grow to meet demand and employ more local people themselves.

 

Chloe calls on more providers to come forward with more places in Norwich.  She welcomes the higher funding settlement announced today and calls this “a major opportunity” for childcare businesses in Norwich.

 

Chloe has already convened local action on this issue by bringing together the county council with its statutory responsibilities, Norwich City College as a workforce training provider, the Chamber of Commerce, major employers, existing providers and the National Day Nurseries Association, to ask:  how can we encourage greater supply in Norwich?

 

Chloe’s group is looking at action together in five areas:

 

1. Cooperation with schools planning.
2. Cooperation with local authority planning including neighbourhood plans, business rates and use of existing buildings and land.
3. Cooperation with business and inward investment organisations.  Chloe told the Commons:  “The larger chains should see sunny Norfolk as an investment opportunity.”
4. Planning for the training offer suitable for increased demand.
5. Awareness.  Chloe explains:  “Childcare is an exciting opportunity, for parents, children and the local economy.” 

 

The group will hold a follow-up meeting in December and work throughout 2016.  The increased number of free hours through this Bill would be available to parents from 2017.

 

Chloe summarises: 

 

“I’ve already taken action for my constituents and there is more to do.  I thoroughly support this Bill today which will pave the way for parents to go into work, for local businesses to grow and for children to benefit from good quality education.  Childcare is a foundation in the lives of the parents and their child, and it lets people build their dreams.”