Live online chat with The Rt Hon Beverley Hughes MP, Minister for Children, on Thursday 24th May 1-2pm

[carriemumsnet]

Hi all

Ok this is your chance to have your say about what, in an ideal world, you'd like to happen to childcare, nurseries and pre-schools (as well as debate what's happening in the sometimes non ideal world). The Rt Hon Beverley Hughes, Minister for Children and mum of three, will be joining us for a lunchtime chat on Thursday 24th May, so bring your sarnies, get your questions ready and join us then. For those of you who have unavoidable lunchtime commitments (and letters from your mum to prove it) we'll let you post your questions in advance here. For the rest of you, we'll see you on the 24th.

it's so utterly primal, i think , it does really upset me still. she's the minister for my child, jezza, and she's ignoring such easy, IMPORTANT questions...

Don't expect a straight and speedy response from THIS government.

I too had the most awful experience with a midwife when i asked for help breastfeeding. It is of the utmost imperative that midwives receive proper training in assisting women to breastfeed.

not saying you did hunker

but it is getting a bit Paxman with you all together

Absolutely Ruby. I took my ex-employers to tribunal on that very basis.

Re help with childcare costs. I entered my information into the HMRC calculator and if DH and I were to split up then I would not qualify for any help with childcare costs even though I earn marginally below the national average. By the time I had paid the mortgage and childcare costs I would have no money left - no money for bills, food, nothing. How can that be right?

Pensions are also an employee benefit and the government legislated that all employers with more than, I think it was, 5 employees HAD to offer a stakeholder scheme to their employees BY LAW. Sorry to invalidate your explanation of why the government lets the childcare voucher system be unfair. Any other reasons you can think of ?

Plus, I have to take issue with your assertion that "there is no such thing as an easy GCSE" particularly when you even have children in the school system.

The thing is I don't mind there being an easy GCSE, the less academically able children need qualifications too in support of their self-esteem and sense of achievement, but we are deluding the children into thinking that a GCSE is a GCSE regardless of subject matter, tricking them into university and out the other end with a "degree", a whole load of debt and unrealistic expectations about the jobs awaiting them.

capp, i think i'm right in saying that she's skipped the bfing questions, they were some fo the first asked.

Well Durrrrrr. capu

Capp, I'm really trying not to post, so I don't look too "badgery". Honest.

shocking.

I believe, unequivocally that breast is best and the Governemnt is doing all it can to promote and support breastfeeding, becuase it has been shown to be the best form of nutrition for infants.

Breastfeeding provides significant short and long term health benefits for both mothers and infants beyond the period of breastfeeding itself. For example, compared to bottle-fed babies, those who are breastfed are less likely to become overweight or obese in later childhood or adulthood, less likely to develop diabetes and are five times less likely to be admitted to hospital with gastroenteritis.

We have adopted the world health organisation's guidance and recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of lfe, with continued breastfeeding alongside the introduction of complementary feeding.

I'm sorry to read about experiences where you feel health visitors have not been up to date or sufficiently supportive. What I can say is that promoting breast feeding is a priority for us and we are doing all we can at national and local levels, including through the new network of chidlren's centres, to support it.

perhaps she a two finger typist?

So, are you boycotting Nestle?

Will you answer any of the breastfeeding questions?

So, are you boycotting Nestle?

Will you answer any of the breastfeeding questions?

So, are you boycotting Nestle?

Will you answer any of the breastfeeding questions?

Well the lack of an answer to the questions we all want answering says it all really.

no we are all waiting hunker

no long posts please

< waits >

WHAT ABOUT NESTLE!!!!!!!!?????

Just spoken with Beverley's office and she will respond on breastfeeding before signing off, so please be patient!

Beverley ?

Perhaps I'll put it in writing for the treasury to answer the question.

but in what sense are you doing 'all that you can'?

oh

you need to set up additional training for midwives. And are you boycotting Nestle?