§ Mrs. BrookeTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what action his Department has taken in response to the recommendations made by the National Audit Office in its report, Progress in Developing High Quality Childcare and Early Education Accessible to All, published on 27 February, on the(a)expansion of, (b)sustainability and (c)the quality of child care provision; and if he will make a statement. [177518]
§ Margaret HodgeI was pleased that the National Audit Office report acknowledged the good progress that had been made in creating new child care places and recognised the Government's achievement in providing free, part-time early education for 3 and 4-year-olds. There is now one child care place for every four children under the age of 8, whereas in 1997 there was only one place for every eight children. In addition, since the report was published, we have extended the offer of a free, part-time early education place to cover all 3-year-olds.
The Government fully accept the view, expressed in the report, that although a great deal has been achieved, there is still more to be done; and we have welcomed the recommendations. The areas highlighted in the report—the creation of places in disadvantaged areas, the sustainability of places, and the provision of training and support for providers—are ones where we are making particular efforts as we work towards our vision of good quality, accessible, and affordable child care for all parents who want it.