Childcare Bill

Perhaps I may write to the noble Baroness about the precise arrangements. As I understand it, those responsible for the provision, whether they are the governors of the children’s centre or of the school, would act as the commissioner. They may seek to make direct provision themselves, in which case they would consult on proposals to do so, or they could commission. To that extent, my understanding is that they would set out the terms on which the childcare is provided, which would be the appropriate way forward. They would seek to do so on a collaborative basis with private, voluntary and independent providers in that area who have an offer to make.