The MP for Didcot has launched a new childcare survey after the children’s minister visited a few weeks ago.

David Johnston, MP for Wantage and Didcot, has started a new survey for parents and guardians so they can give him their views about how accessible childcare is locally.

The children’s minister Claire Coutinho visited a nursery in Didcot on June 2, as the government has recently announced a £900 million programme of investment in childcare support.

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Ms Coutinho said the government’s plans were “radical” and she rejected criticisms the rollout was too slow, and the sector was struggling with staff shortages.

Mr Johnston said: “I know from my conversations on doorsteps that one of the big challenges for working parents is finding affordable childcare.

“The government is making a huge investment in childcare to make this easier for parents and I want to hear from local parents about what challenges they’ve been facing and what they would like to see more of.

“My childcare survey is a chance for local people to have their say on what they want childcare to be like in the area.”

By September 2025, parents will be entitled to claim 30 hours a week of free childcare from when their child is nine months until they start school.

Mr Johnston said he would share the results with the Department for Education.