§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what estimate he has made of the additional cost of offering universal day care for children under five. [165481]
§ Margaret Hodge[holding answer 20 April 2004]: We have made no such estimate. Child care places, including those for full day care, are offered by a wide range of providers, including private nurseries, childminders, employers, local government and community organisations. The Government make start up grants available to help potential childminders and day care providers set up in business, as well as sustainability funding to help support good quality child care provision in danger of closing in disadvantaged areas.