Local government and early education: where does the money go?
The House of Lords Committee on Affordable Childcare will continue its inquiry on Wednesday 5 November by questioning local government representatives on how the money for early education is spent. Previous evidence suggests there is significant variation in the amount paid to providers, and the Committee is keen to understand why.
At 10.35am, the Committee will speak to Councillor Liz Green, Deputy Chair of the Children and Young People's Board at the Local Government Association, and Alison O'Sullivan, Vice-President of the Association of Directors of Children's Services, and Director of Children and Adult Services at Kirklees Council.
Questions the Committee are likely to ask include:
- What is the role of local government in childcare and early education?
- Are current levels of funding for early education high enough to deliver high quality places?
- What guidance is given to local authorities on how the Dedicated Schools Grant should be allocated?
- What proportion of the Dedicated Schools Grant is required to administer the scheme?
- Do local authorities support a shift to a school-led system for delivering early education and childcare?
- What role do local authorities play in encouraging employers to take a more active interest in enabling their staff to access affordable childcare?
The evidence session will take place on Wednesday 5 November at 10.35am in Committee Room 4A of the House of Lords.
The session will be webcast at www.parliamentlive.tv and is also open to the public. Journalists wishing to attend should go to Parliament's Cromwell Green Entrance and should allow time for security screening.
