Yet more than 5,000 childcare providers have been forced to close in the past year due to soaring inflation and energy prices. Many are now facing a cliff edge in April when the government withdraws support for energy bills. Further closures will make places harder to find and drive up prices even further for parents.

The next Labour government will build a modern childcare system supporting families from the end of parental leave to secondary school, but urgent action is needed to prevent a collapse in childcare provision this year. This week, I asked the Secretary of State what she is doing now to support providers>>