To ask the Minister of Education what assessment has been made by his Department of the potential impact on childcare providers of the rise in the minimum wage in April 2024.

Minimum wage rates are a universal government intervention that apply to all employers across the United Kingdom. While the rise in April 2024 will be good news for employees, it will undoubtedly increase the financial pressures on employers in several sectors, including childcare.

My officials, in conjunction with colleagues in other Departments are considering what short-term measures might be appropriate to ease the range of cost pressures which childcare settings and parents are facing. Over the coming weeks, I plan to meet providers myself, to hear from them directly.