While many MPs raised concerns about funding pressures and closures during the Westminster Hall debate yesterday (11 October), Mr Zahawi said, ‘There are sad examples of providers closing’ but 'there is no evidence of widespread closure in the non-domestic childcare market.’
He also said that in addition to official research, the Department for Education has also commissioned independent research, which would include visits to providers, about their business costs.
Mr Zahawi cited Ofsted statistics published in June, which showed that childcare places have been stable since 2012, adding, ‘We have not heard of any eligible parents not being able to access the 30 hours.’
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