Nursery World - Exclusive interview with Childcare Minister Sam Gyimah: France, funding and the 30 hours

With the Childcare Bill for the 30 hours in the Commons and rising
costs causing concern in early years, Ruth Thomson speaks to Sam Gyimah
about what the sector can expect looking ahead.

The Childcare Bill introducing the 30-hour free entitlement for three- and four-year-olds of working parents is now back in the Commons after facing criticisms in the House of Lords about its lack of detail on costing and implementation.

The criticisms have only added to sector concerns about final funding allocations for a scheme that will be introduced at a time of rising staff costs for providers (see box).

Childcare minister Sam Gyimah met with Nursery World following his visit to France to discuss Government objectives under the scheme and the timetable to implementation.

Can you tell me why you went to France?

Our manifesto pledge of 30 hours free childcare for working parents of three- and four-year-olds is a big commitment, and it's a high-profile commitment for the Government. In order that I get this commitment right, I am engaging with lots of different aspects of childcare provision, in the UK and abroad.

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