Experts will discuss with MPs the effectiveness of childcare reforms announced as part of the most recent Budget, including a controversial change to staff:child ratios.
The education select committee will hear from academics and economists tomorrow (18 April), who will evaluate how effective the reforms will be at enabling parents to return to work, and how they will impact the early years sector.
MPs will ask experts to comment on changes announced last month in Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt’s Budget, which included a controversial relaxation of staff:child ratios in early years settings, an expansion of the 30-free-hours childcare policy, and the offer of incentive payments for new childminders.
Experts will also be quizzed by MPs on how quickly providers will be able to meet demand following the expansion of free childcare places, and the potential effect of these reforms on outcomes in disadvantaged areas.
