§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what creche facilities are provided by his Department; and at what cost. [104302]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienThe FCO nursery has now been open for 18 months and can take up to 36 children. Parents pay between £110–£130 per week, depending on their grade and the age of the child. The subsidy is approximately £90,000 per annum, depending on the take-up of places and age of the children.
The FCO is also an employer partner in the Buffer Bear network of nurseries, with access to 10 priority places on the waiting list. The cost of a place varies depending on, among other things, the location of the nursery. Staff are offered a subsidy of £20–£40 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.
Staff are also eligible to use the Westminster holiday playscheme, which caters for 4 to12-year-olds during school holidays, at three sites in central London. The cost is £30 per day, which is split equally between the FCO and the parent. The subsidy for financial year 359W 2002–03 will be in the region of £4,100. Places are offered on a first come, first served basis, which means the number of users varies each year.