Within its new report into the ongoing impact of Covid-19 on new parents, the Petitions Committee recommends the Government commission such a review, as well as consult with parents on how to ensure childcare provision meets their needs and supports their return to work.
It says the review should include, but not be limited to, future sector funding allocations and be separate from the ongoing Spending Review process. It says the Government should set the terms of reference for the review within two months, with a view to publishing the findings by next summer.
The committee warns that with ongoing uncertainty about future demand for childcare places, there is a ‘real risk’ the pandemic will contribute to an ‘ongoing erosion’ of provision or even act as a ‘tipping point’ and accelerate the trend. It says that long-term, targeted support from the Government will be required to avoid this outcome, which would have ‘serious consequences’ for children’s early education and parents’ workforce participation.
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