Labour representative emphasises the importance of good and affordable childcare in Dagenham and Rainham.

Margaret Mullane, Labour Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Dagenham and Rainham has emphasised the importance of good and affordable childcare in the area.

Margaret responded to a report from the influential Institute for Public Policy Research which pointed to how improving access to affordable childcare would result in an increase in parental employment by lowering barriers to work and raiseparental earnings in the UK by over £13 billion. The report suggests this would significantly benefit low-income households and deliver annual returns to the national exchequer of £7.9 billion as well as narrow the gender pay gap.

Margaret told the Havering Daily: “Labour aims to break down barriers to opportunity and give every child the best start in life. The Tory government has failed our children. I am proud that Labour has promised to restore and improve the quality of childcare and early learning, so every child has an equal opportunity in life.

Childcare and early learning is vital to support young people entering education. Labour plans to increase nursery places and staff, placing more nurseries into primary schools easing the path to improve maths and communications skills development needed when entering primary school.”

Margaret added: “Within Dagenham and Rainham 44% of children are living in relative poverty meaning it’s critical that more is done to improve childcare systems and bridge the gap between early years and primary education.

The Tories have destroyed childcare services. Recent Ofsted figures show that 3,320 nurseries and childminders caring for under-fives have closed in the past year, leaving 17,800 fewer childcare places available. The 30 hours of free childcare scheme has been heavily criticised, for being understaffed and lacking the infrastructure for the roll out.

Research by Pregnant Then Screwed on the new childcare scheme outlines that only 55% of parents have found a childcare setting that would accept ‘free’ hours provided for 2-year-olds.” 

Labour’s Shadow secretary for Education, Bridget Phillipson said: “Childcare providers have been pushed to breaking point under the Conservatives, stuck with soaring costs and struggling to recruit the skilled staff they need. We have recognised the value of childcare services and the urgent need for support and will work with local authorities to boost availability where provision is inadequate.”

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