§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what creche facilities are provided by his Department; and at what cost. [44866]
§ Mr. BradshawThe FCO opened its first workplace nursery on 3 September 2001. It can take up to 36 children. Capital costs were in the region of £450,000 (£375,000 for construction costs, £50,000 for professional fees and £25,000 for furniture and equipment). The Cabinet Office provided £150,000 towards these costs from the Modernising Government Fund. Parents pay between £100–£120 per week, depending on their grade and the age of the child. It is envisaged that an initial subsidy towards running costs of up to £85,000 per annum, reducing gradually over a 2–3 year period, will be needed while the nursery builds up to full capacity. The objective of setting up the nursery was to demonstrate a long-term commitment to helping staff combine work and family.
The FCO is also an employer partner in the Buffer Bear network of nurseries, with access to 10 priority places. The cost of a place varies depending on, among other things, the location of the nursery and staff are offered a subsidy of £15–£35 per week depending on their grade. These nurseries are based at key commuter points and offer choice for parents who do not wish to bring their children into London.
The FCO currently has two under-two places at the First Steps nursery in Marsham street. These are being phased out, before the FCO withdraws from the contract in December 2002. The cost of a place for an under-two is £223.14 per week. As with our in-house nursery, parents pay between £100–£120 per week, depending on their grade. The FCO subsidy for the coming year will be in the region of £14,000.
Staff are also eligible to use the Westminster Holiday Playscheme, which caters for 5 to 12-year-olds during school holidays, at three sites in central London. The cost is £26 per day, which is split equally between the FCO and the parent. The subsidy for FY 2001–02 will be in the region of £4,000. Places are offered on a first come, first served basis, which means the number of users varies each year.
The FCO is currently conducting a review of child care support that is offered to staff.