HC Deb 20 March 2003 vol 401 c863W
26. Linda Gilroy

To ask the Minister for Women what steps she is taking to support the development of child care as a business. [103906]

Ms Hewitt

Child care businesses, particularly micro-businesses and social enterprises, need support and skills training in order to be sustainable. We are working with DfES and DWP to improve links and support between Business Link Operators and child care business support officers to this end. A specific targeted programme of support, including provision of good practice, workshops, resource packs, a helpline and a website, is scheduled to start in May and run until March 2004.