§ Baroness Davidasked Her Majesty's Government:
When the Interdepartmental Childcare Review will publish its findings. [HL6363]
§ Baroness Ashton of Upholland:The report from the Interdepartmental Childcare Review, led by my noble friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Sure Start, Early Years and Childcare, is being published today. The key conclusions of the report build on the announcement by my right honourable friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Spending Review statement on 15 July. The increased spending for childcare will lead to:
the creation of at least 250,000 new childcare places by 2005–06, on top of the earlier target of new places for 1.6 million children by 2004;
the establishment of new children's centres to provide childcare, family support and health services in one centre, reflecting the early lessons of Sure Start, to benefit up to 650,000 children in disadvantaged areas by 2006.
In addition, the integration of responsibility for childcare, early years education and Sure Start within a new interdepartmental unit will ensure new services will be co-ordinated to best meet the needs of children, families and communities.
Copies of the report have been placed in the Vote Office, Printed Paper Office and the Libraries.