Nursery World - Robert Goodwill named the new children and families minister

The new minister in the Department for Education is taking on responsibility for early years and childcare.

The announcement was made at this afternoon’s meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Nursery Schools and Nursery Classes.

The former immigration minister Robert Goodwill, MP for Scarborough and Whitby, will also take on the brief as minister for vulnerable children and families. The position was previously held by Edward Timpson, who lost his seat in the general election.

Mr Goodwill’s portfolio will cover children's social care, early years policy (including inspection and regulation), delivery of the 30 hours offer, social mobility, the pupil premium and safeguarding in schools.

The expansion of the ministerial remit means that there is no direct replacement for the post previously held by Caroline Dinenage, whose official job title was parliamentary under-secretary of state for women, equalities and early years.

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