I’d like to better understand the rationale behind the withdrawal of free childcare. Reports from @KPMG @GrattanInst & others have consistently shown the value to the economy - from $25b to $60b of getting more women in to the workforce 1/2

Economic independence is one of the key drivers of gender equality. We know that domestic violence is at epidemic levels in this country. If women have somewhere safe for their children to go while they earn money to survive on their own, they can start to rebuild their lives

It starts with a vital & necessary understanding of the value of childcare It is early learning & socialisation The UK Gov recognised this more than a decade ago & under successive conservative governments it offered & expanded access to 30hrs a week of free care for 3+ year olds

Facilities where children from 3 yrs old are cared for in the UK are positioned within the grounds or immediately next door to primary schools. The focus is learning not babysitting because science tells us 90% of brain development happens in the first 4 years of life