Written questions by Morrison.

What steps she is taking to ensure staff in school-based nursery settings are adequately trained to care for infants under two years old.

The early years workforce is at the heart of the government’s mission to give every child the best start in life and deliver our Plan for Change.The department is providing a range of high-quality support and training for early years educators and leaders, building a stronger, more expert workforce, to enable nursery settings to deliver quality early education, including our online early years child development training, online support available through the ‘Help for early years providers’ and ‘Foundation years’ services, and a range of non-statutory guidance to support effective curriculum and assessment, including ‘Development Matters’. We have also extended funding of the Stronger Practice Hubs until March 2026 to continue support for early years educators to improve practice.Our online child development training in particular is designed to help early years educators build and strengthen their knowledge, in response to user research which identified a specific need from educators working with the zero to four age group for practical easily accessible information to support implementation of the early years foundation stage (EYFS). The training includes a specific module on understanding child development and the importance of early childhood education and care, including how to implement strategies to provide a positive approach in a setting, the importance of child development knowledge, the various factors that impact on children’s development and how to effectively deliver the EYFS.Last year, in collaboration with The Lullaby Trust the department produced safer sleep guidance which is available on the Foundation Years website. This covers a variety of areas including sleeping products which are not suitable for babies, suitable sleeping surfaces for babies and safe use of blankets.The department has also produced guidance with the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children on supporting distressed babies and the importance of positive interactions on baby brain development. These support providers with developing enriching relationships with the babies in their settings, by recognising their social cues and responding appropriately.Later this year the department will publish a strategy to reform early years education, including the workforce. We will work in partnership with the sector, reforming training and support for the workforce to drive up standards and offer sustained professional development. We will work in partnership with those inside and outside of government to test new approaches and drive progress towards a common goal of giving every child the best start in life.

Whether her Department plans to issue new guidance to early years providers on the use of sleep products not suitable for infants under two years of age.

The early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework which all early years providers are required to follow includes a requirement for babies to be placed down to sleep in line with the latest government safety guidance. This guidance can be accessed here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sudden-infant-death-syndrome-sids/.Ofsted inspects early years settings against the EYFS requirements. Early years providers failing to follow safer sleep practice in line with this guidance would be in breach of the requirements and subject to enforcement action.The early years qualification requirements and standards document sets out the minimum qualification requirements, including the qualifications criteria at levels 2 and 3, that staff must meet to be recognised as level 2, level 3 or level 6 members of staff for the purpose of working within the EYFS staff:child ratios. This document can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-qualification-requirements-and-standards.Both the level 2 and level 3 criteria include knowledge of rest and sleep provision, with level 3 also including use of equipment, furniture and materials safely with regard for sleep safety.In September 2024, the department worked in collaboration with The Lullaby Trust to produce guidance which is available on the Foundation Years platform at: https://www.foundationyears.org.uk/2024/09/safer-sleeping-practices-for-early-years-educators/. This covers a variety of areas including sleeping products which are not suitable for babies, suitable sleeping surfaces for babies and safe use of blankets.

Whether her Department plans to introduce unannounced Ofsted inspections in early years settings where (a) safeguarding concerns and (b) whistleblowing allegations have been raised.

The department’s priority is to grow high-quality, affordable and flexible education and care for children, whilst ensuring their safety, giving every child the best start of life and delivering on our Plan for Change. We continually monitor and review safeguarding requirements for early years settings to make sure children are kept as safe as possible.The department sets the standards which early years settings such as nurseries must follow, these are set out in the early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework and can be found at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework--2. The department also sets policy on inspection and registration, but how it is implemented is for Ofsted to decide whilst remaining accountable to Parliament.The decision to install and use camera surveillance equipment in a nursery is a matter for individual providers to determine based on their own risk assessment and policies.Ofsted can carry out any early years inspection without notice and these usually take place due to previous inadequate judgements or as a result of risk assessments after concerns have been raised.In September 2025, subject to Parliamentary procedure we will be introducing changes to the EYFS safeguarding requirements. This includes new requirements around whistleblowing, to help ensure that all early years educators understand when and how to escalate any safeguarding concerns. Further information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/early-years-foundation-stage-eyfs-safeguarding.Ofsted’s early years inspectors are early years professionals with relevant knowledge of safer sleep practice and can assess a provider’s adherence to the relevant suitability and safer sleeping requirements in the EYFS.

What assessment she has made of the (a) capacity and (b) preparedness of early years providers to safely care for babies under 12 months in the context of the expansion of funded childcare.

The department’s priority is to grow high-quality education and care for children, whilst ensuring their safety, in order to give every child the best start in life. We continually monitor and review safeguarding requirements for early years settings to make sure children are kept as safe as possible.In September 2025, subject to parliamentary procedure the department will be introducing changes to the safeguarding requirements of the early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework which all early years settings must follow. The framework can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework--2.This includes requirements which will help keep babies under 12 months as safe as possible, such as a new safer eating section, which includes a requirement to have ongoing discussions with parents and/or carers in regard to introducing solid foods.Last year, in collaboration with The Lullaby Trust the department produced safer sleep guidance which is available on the Foundation Years, which can be accessed here: https://www.foundationyears.org.uk/2024/09/safer-sleeping-practices-for-early-years-educators/. This covers a variety of areas including sleeping products which are not suitable for babies, suitable sleeping surfaces for babies and safe use of blankets.The department also produced guidance with the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children on supporting distressed babies, available at: https://www.foundationyears.org.uk/2025/01/responding-to-babies-cries-a-guide-for-early-years-educators/, and the importance of positive interactions on baby brain development, available at: https://www.foundationyears.org.uk/2025/01/the-importance-of-positive-interactions-on-baby-brain-development/. These support providers with developing enriching relationships with the babies in their settings, by recognising their social cues and responding appropriately.The department has already seen a strong response from the early years sector following the introduction of the new entitlement, the latest stage of which was the expansion to 15 hours for eligible children under two in September 2024. 2023 to 2024 saw nearly three times the growth in places (44,000 compared to 15,000) and more than 1.5 times the growth in staff (20,000 compared to 13,000) working in early years compared to 2022 to 2023, showing the early years market is responding positively to the demand. Continuing this growth ahead of September 2025 will allow more families to benefit from the expansion.

If she will require Ofsted inspectors to undertake specialist training in safe sleep practices for infants during qualifications to inspect early years settings.

The department’s priority is to grow high-quality, affordable and flexible education and care for children, whilst ensuring their safety, giving every child the best start of life and delivering on our Plan for Change. We continually monitor and review safeguarding requirements for early years settings to make sure children are kept as safe as possible.The department sets the standards which early years settings such as nurseries must follow, these are set out in the early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework and can be found at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework--2. The department also sets policy on inspection and registration, but how it is implemented is for Ofsted to decide whilst remaining accountable to Parliament.The decision to install and use camera surveillance equipment in a nursery is a matter for individual providers to determine based on their own risk assessment and policies.Ofsted can carry out any early years inspection without notice and these usually take place due to previous inadequate judgements or as a result of risk assessments after concerns have been raised.In September 2025, subject to Parliamentary procedure we will be introducing changes to the EYFS safeguarding requirements. This includes new requirements around whistleblowing, to help ensure that all early years educators understand when and how to escalate any safeguarding concerns. Further information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/early-years-foundation-stage-eyfs-safeguarding.Ofsted’s early years inspectors are early years professionals with relevant knowledge of safer sleep practice and can assess a provider’s adherence to the relevant suitability and safer sleeping requirements in the EYFS.

If she will require early years providers to demonstrate how they (a) assess and (b) manage risks associated with infant sleep practices.

The early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework which all early years providers are required to follow includes a requirement for babies to be placed down to sleep in line with the latest government safety guidance. This guidance can be accessed here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sudden-infant-death-syndrome-sids/.Ofsted inspects early years settings against the EYFS requirements. Early years providers failing to follow safer sleep practice in line with this guidance would be in breach of the requirements and subject to enforcement action.The early years qualification requirements and standards document sets out the minimum qualification requirements, including the qualifications criteria at levels 2 and 3, that staff must meet to be recognised as level 2, level 3 or level 6 members of staff for the purpose of working within the EYFS staff:child ratios. This document can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-qualification-requirements-and-standards.Both the level 2 and level 3 criteria include knowledge of rest and sleep provision, with level 3 also including use of equipment, furniture and materials safely with regard for sleep safety.In September 2024, the department worked in collaboration with The Lullaby Trust to produce guidance which is available on the Foundation Years platform at: https://www.foundationyears.org.uk/2024/09/safer-sleeping-practices-for-early-years-educators/. This covers a variety of areas including sleeping products which are not suitable for babies, suitable sleeping surfaces for babies and safe use of blankets.

Whether she plans to require Ofsted inspectors to review CCTV footage in assessments of infant sleep safety practices during inspections of early years settings.

The department’s priority is to grow high-quality, affordable and flexible education and care for children, whilst ensuring their safety, giving every child the best start of life and delivering on our Plan for Change. We continually monitor and review safeguarding requirements for early years settings to make sure children are kept as safe as possible.The department sets the standards which early years settings such as nurseries must follow, these are set out in the early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework and can be found at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework--2. The department also sets policy on inspection and registration, but how it is implemented is for Ofsted to decide whilst remaining accountable to Parliament.The decision to install and use camera surveillance equipment in a nursery is a matter for individual providers to determine based on their own risk assessment and policies.Ofsted can carry out any early years inspection without notice and these usually take place due to previous inadequate judgements or as a result of risk assessments after concerns have been raised.In September 2025, subject to Parliamentary procedure we will be introducing changes to the EYFS safeguarding requirements. This includes new requirements around whistleblowing, to help ensure that all early years educators understand when and how to escalate any safeguarding concerns. Further information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/early-years-foundation-stage-eyfs-safeguarding.Ofsted’s early years inspectors are early years professionals with relevant knowledge of safer sleep practice and can assess a provider’s adherence to the relevant suitability and safer sleeping requirements in the EYFS.

Whether her Department plans to update the early years foundation stage statutory framework to include (a) explicit and (b) enforceable safe sleep guidance for children under two in group care settings.

The early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework which all early years providers are required to follow includes a requirement for babies to be placed down to sleep in line with the latest government safety guidance. This guidance can be accessed here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sudden-infant-death-syndrome-sids/.Ofsted inspects early years settings against the EYFS requirements. Early years providers failing to follow safer sleep practice in line with this guidance would be in breach of the requirements and subject to enforcement action.The early years qualification requirements and standards document sets out the minimum qualification requirements, including the qualifications criteria at levels 2 and 3, that staff must meet to be recognised as level 2, level 3 or level 6 members of staff for the purpose of working within the EYFS staff:child ratios. This document can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-qualification-requirements-and-standards.Both the level 2 and level 3 criteria include knowledge of rest and sleep provision, with level 3 also including use of equipment, furniture and materials safely with regard for sleep safety.In September 2024, the department worked in collaboration with The Lullaby Trust to produce guidance which is available on the Foundation Years platform at: https://www.foundationyears.org.uk/2024/09/safer-sleeping-practices-for-early-years-educators/. This covers a variety of areas including sleeping products which are not suitable for babies, suitable sleeping surfaces for babies and safe use of blankets.

Whether her Department plans to make safer sleep training mandatory for early years staff working with babies under two years old.

The early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework which all early years providers are required to follow includes a requirement for babies to be placed down to sleep in line with the latest government safety guidance. This guidance can be accessed here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sudden-infant-death-syndrome-sids/.Ofsted inspects early years settings against the EYFS requirements. Early years providers failing to follow safer sleep practice in line with this guidance would be in breach of the requirements and subject to enforcement action.The early years qualification requirements and standards document sets out the minimum qualification requirements, including the qualifications criteria at levels 2 and 3, that staff must meet to be recognised as level 2, level 3 or level 6 members of staff for the purpose of working within the EYFS staff:child ratios. This document can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-qualification-requirements-and-standards.Both the level 2 and level 3 criteria include knowledge of rest and sleep provision, with level 3 also including use of equipment, furniture and materials safely with regard for sleep safety.In September 2024, the department worked in collaboration with The Lullaby Trust to produce guidance which is available on the Foundation Years platform at: https://www.foundationyears.org.uk/2024/09/safer-sleeping-practices-for-early-years-educators/. This covers a variety of areas including sleeping products which are not suitable for babies, suitable sleeping surfaces for babies and safe use of blankets.

What steps her Department is taking to ensure Ofsted inspections of early years settings adequately assess adherence to safe sleep guidance for babies under two years old.

The department’s priority is to grow high-quality, affordable and flexible education and care for children, whilst ensuring their safety, giving every child the best start of life and delivering on our Plan for Change. We continually monitor and review safeguarding requirements for early years settings to make sure children are kept as safe as possible.The department sets the standards which early years settings such as nurseries must follow, these are set out in the early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework and can be found at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework--2. The department also sets policy on inspection and registration, but how it is implemented is for Ofsted to decide whilst remaining accountable to Parliament.The decision to install and use camera surveillance equipment in a nursery is a matter for individual providers to determine based on their own risk assessment and policies.Ofsted can carry out any early years inspection without notice and these usually take place due to previous inadequate judgements or as a result of risk assessments after concerns have been raised.In September 2025, subject to Parliamentary procedure we will be introducing changes to the EYFS safeguarding requirements. This includes new requirements around whistleblowing, to help ensure that all early years educators understand when and how to escalate any safeguarding concerns. Further information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/early-years-foundation-stage-eyfs-safeguarding.Ofsted’s early years inspectors are early years professionals with relevant knowledge of safer sleep practice and can assess a provider’s adherence to the relevant suitability and safer sleeping requirements in the EYFS.

What steps his Department is taking to resolve the shortage of Estradot hormone replacement therapy patches; and when supply is expected to return to normal levels.

There are over 70 hormone replacement therapy (HRT) products, and the vast majority are in good supply. Previously there have been issues with the supply of a limited number of these products, primarily driven by very sharp increases in demand. Following the Department’s intensive engagement with industry, the supply position has improved considerably. As part of this we have previously met with individual suppliers on a very regular basis. We have also hosted nine HRT supply roundtables since April 2022, with the most recent in September 2024, attended by suppliers, wholesalers, and community pharmacists, to provide updates on the supply position and the actions being taken to address them, to share data, and to discuss relevant policy developments and their potential impacts.Currently, there are limited supplies of Estradot (estradiol) 37.5, 50, 75, and 100 microgram/24 hour patches, which may be available to local pharmacies to order. We are working with the sole supplier of Estradot to expedite further resupplies, where possible. Further deliveries of all patches are expected in May 2025, except for the 37.5 microgram/24 hour patches, which will be resupplied in July 2025. Alternative brands of the same medicine remain available.We have issued comprehensive management guidance to the National Health Service, including Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) for Estradot 25, 50, 75, and 100 microgram/24 hour patches, allowing community pharmacists to supply the equivalent strength patch of an alternative brand without the need for a new prescription.All SSPs are developed with the input of clinical and patient safety experts and include advice for pharmacists about any potential risks. Pharmacists may decide not to supply a patient in accordance with an SSP if they have any concerns. In the case of some SSPs, pharmacists are required to notify prescribers that they have supplied a patient in accordance with an SSP rather than the prescription. Pharmacists and prescribers are informed by an email to their NHS email address whenever a new SSP is issued, or changes are made to an SSP currently in effect. All currently active and expired SSPs are available to view on the NHS Business Services Authority’s website, at the following link:https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/pharmacies-gp-practices-and-appliance-contractors/serious-shortage-protocols-ssps

What steps her Department is taking to help ensure that umbrella companies operating in the UK temporary labour market are adequately transparent about (a) workers' pay, (b) wage deductions and (c) statutory entitlements.

I refer the hon. Member for Cheadle to the answer of 1 May 2025 to Questions 47914 and 47915.

What steps her Department is taking to help ensure that umbrella companies correctly (a) deduct and (b) remit (i) Income Tax and (ii) National Insurance contributions on behalf of temporary workers.

I refer the hon. Member for Cheadle to the answer of 1 May 2025 to Questions 47914 and 47915.

What assessment she has made of the potential implications for his polices of levels of (a) presence and activities of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the UK and (b) potential threats to Iranian dissidents and UK-based journalists.

We do not routinely comment on the detail of operational matters or specific threats. The UK Government continually assesses potential threats to the UK and its residents and will continue to take the protection of individuals’ rights, freedoms and safety in the UK very seriously.Last month, I announced new measures to tackle state threats from Iran. This included our intention to place the Iranian state, including Iran’s Intelligence Services, the IRGC and MOIS, on the Enhanced Tier of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS). I also announced new training for all frontline police officers on state threats; further sanctions against Iranian-linked criminal groups; an independent review of the parts of our counter-terrorism framework which could be applied to state threats; continued support to the Jewish community; and strengthened enforcement of our immigration measures to protect the UK from Iranian interference. Finally, the National Protective Security Authority and Counter Terrorism Policing will continue to provide protective security advice and support to individuals and organisations threatened by the Iranian regime and its criminal proxies, including Persian language media organisations.The Government's top priority is our national security, and we will continue to use all appropriate tools at our disposal to protect the UK, and its people, from any Iran-linked threats.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that the serious shortage protocols introduced for Estradot patches are (a) communicated clearly to (i) pharmacies and (ii) prescribers and (b) implemented to ensure (A) patient safety and (B) continuity of care.

There are over 70 hormone replacement therapy (HRT) products, and the vast majority are in good supply. Previously there have been issues with the supply of a limited number of these products, primarily driven by very sharp increases in demand. Following the Department’s intensive engagement with industry, the supply position has improved considerably. As part of this we have previously met with individual suppliers on a very regular basis. We have also hosted nine HRT supply roundtables since April 2022, with the most recent in September 2024, attended by suppliers, wholesalers, and community pharmacists, to provide updates on the supply position and the actions being taken to address them, to share data, and to discuss relevant policy developments and their potential impacts.Currently, there are limited supplies of Estradot (estradiol) 37.5, 50, 75, and 100 microgram/24 hour patches, which may be available to local pharmacies to order. We are working with the sole supplier of Estradot to expedite further resupplies, where possible. Further deliveries of all patches are expected in May 2025, except for the 37.5 microgram/24 hour patches, which will be resupplied in July 2025. Alternative brands of the same medicine remain available.We have issued comprehensive management guidance to the National Health Service, including Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) for Estradot 25, 50, 75, and 100 microgram/24 hour patches, allowing community pharmacists to supply the equivalent strength patch of an alternative brand without the need for a new prescription.All SSPs are developed with the input of clinical and patient safety experts and include advice for pharmacists about any potential risks. Pharmacists may decide not to supply a patient in accordance with an SSP if they have any concerns. In the case of some SSPs, pharmacists are required to notify prescribers that they have supplied a patient in accordance with an SSP rather than the prescription. Pharmacists and prescribers are informed by an email to their NHS email address whenever a new SSP is issued, or changes are made to an SSP currently in effect. All currently active and expired SSPs are available to view on the NHS Business Services Authority’s website, at the following link:https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/pharmacies-gp-practices-and-appliance-contractors/serious-shortage-protocols-ssps

What guidance he has provided to (a) GPs and (b) pharmacists to support patients unable to access Estradot patches.

There are over 70 hormone replacement therapy (HRT) products, and the vast majority are in good supply. Previously there have been issues with the supply of a limited number of these products, primarily driven by very sharp increases in demand. Following the Department’s intensive engagement with industry, the supply position has improved considerably. As part of this we have previously met with individual suppliers on a very regular basis. We have also hosted nine HRT supply roundtables since April 2022, with the most recent in September 2024, attended by suppliers, wholesalers, and community pharmacists, to provide updates on the supply position and the actions being taken to address them, to share data, and to discuss relevant policy developments and their potential impacts.Currently, there are limited supplies of Estradot (estradiol) 37.5, 50, 75, and 100 microgram/24 hour patches, which may be available to local pharmacies to order. We are working with the sole supplier of Estradot to expedite further resupplies, where possible. Further deliveries of all patches are expected in May 2025, except for the 37.5 microgram/24 hour patches, which will be resupplied in July 2025. Alternative brands of the same medicine remain available.We have issued comprehensive management guidance to the National Health Service, including Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) for Estradot 25, 50, 75, and 100 microgram/24 hour patches, allowing community pharmacists to supply the equivalent strength patch of an alternative brand without the need for a new prescription.All SSPs are developed with the input of clinical and patient safety experts and include advice for pharmacists about any potential risks. Pharmacists may decide not to supply a patient in accordance with an SSP if they have any concerns. In the case of some SSPs, pharmacists are required to notify prescribers that they have supplied a patient in accordance with an SSP rather than the prescription. Pharmacists and prescribers are informed by an email to their NHS email address whenever a new SSP is issued, or changes are made to an SSP currently in effect. All currently active and expired SSPs are available to view on the NHS Business Services Authority’s website, at the following link:https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/pharmacies-gp-practices-and-appliance-contractors/serious-shortage-protocols-ssps

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his international counterparts on ensuring that members of the previous Syrian Government are held accountable for (a) the use of chemical weapons and (b) other crimes against humanity.

We support the UN and civil society accountability efforts, including developing a credible evidence base to record atrocities committed by the former regime and others. We are also working with international partners to support the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to destroy Assad's chemical weapons programme and ensure those responsible are held accountable.We supported the establishment of both the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism and Independent Institution for Missing Persons, and welcomed the recent renewal of the Commission of Inquiry in April. We are advocating for these mechanisms to have the operational remit to complement Syrian-led accountability efforts.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he plans to reopen the British Embassy in Damascus.

We are keeping the re-establishment of a permanent presence in Damascus under review. Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office staff, including our UK Special Representative for Syria, undertake visits to Damascus, most recently in April.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to respond to reports of the detention of journalists in Iran.

We condemn Iran's severe restrictions against Freedom of Opinion and Expression, including reprisals against journalists. We were integral to the delivery of the Iran human rights resolution, adopted by the UN Third Committee in November 2024, which called on Iran to halt threats and intimidation against journalists who are critical of the government, and to investigate and prosecute those responsible for reprisals against journalists. As a member of the Media Freedom Coalition, the UK is committed to ensuring that journalists are able to do their jobs without fear of retribution from Iran.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what information his Department holds on the level of religious freedom for (a) minority faith and (b) other groups in Iran.

Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) in Iran is extremely restricted. Minority faiths such as Bahai's, Christians, and Sunni Muslims, amongst others, are subjected to human rights violations, including but not limited to, harassment, intimidation, arbitrary arrest and detention. The UK is championing the right to FoRB in Iran by taking action in multilateral fora - we were integral to the delivery of the Iran human rights resolution, adopted by the UN Third Committee in November 2024, which called on Iran to release all religious practitioners imprisoned for their membership in or activities on behalf of a minority religious group, and to ensure that everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion or belief. The UK's dedicated Special Envoy for FoRB, David Smith, continues to advocate for religious freedom worldwide, including in Iran.