§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what creche facilities are provided by his Department; and at what cost. [44871]
§ Angela EagleThe Department provides 146 nursery places for children under the age of five years. These places are available to Home Office staff (including the agencies) at a variety of locations. In addition to these facilities the Forensic Science Service runs a Childcare Support Scheme which provides staff with the opportunity to receive a contribution towards professional child care.
In addition around 1,250 days of school holiday provision are provided throughout the Department in the form of play schemes for children aged between five and 12 years.
These arrangements involve a subsidy to the parent of up to 50 per cent. of the contractual running costs depending on local circumstances. The cost to the Department for providing these facilities is approximately £435,000 per year, depending on take up of the places available.