The debate is in response to a parliamentary petition, which received more than 146,000 signatures by last October, making it eligible for a debate.
Currently disadvantaged families are offered 15 hours of childcare for children from the age of two, the entitlement is universal for all parents of three- and four-year-olds, and working parents of three-and four-year-olds are eligible for an extra 15 hours.
The Government has said it has no plans to extend the free childcare offer.
Catherine McKinnell MP, chair of the Petitions Committee, will open the debate.
The petition, which received 146,937 signatures, states, ‘After 9 months of maternity leave, most working mums do not receive any maternity pay and need to go back to work.
‘All working parents should be entitled to 15 hours free childcare from the time a child is 9 months. It makes more sense to provide this funding from 9 months instead of 2 years.’
In response to the petition, the Government said, ‘The Government currently offers a broad range of childcare support and has no plans to extend the package of free childcare entitlement schemes to working parents of children over 9 months.
‘This Government is committed to helping working families with accessible, affordable childcare. We plan to spend around £3.5 billion on early education childcare entitlements this year alone – more than any previous Government.’
Monday’s debate will provide an opportunity for MPs to question a Government minister directly on these topics.
- You can watch the debate live online from 4.30 pm on 9 March here
- A transcript of the debate will be published here
