Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Bill

My Lords, I thank the noble Baronesses, Lady Garden and Lady Howe, for their contributions and for their support for some of my amendments. It is crucial that there is a choice for parents and children, and that local needs are at the heart of provision. I thank the Minister for her assurances; I hope that she would agree with these Benches that, while outreach services are laudable, the role of health visitors is crucial. I am happy to hear her response that they must be part of the services provided by Sure Start centres. We all want Sure Start centres to be part of the integrated services, but I hope that the Minister will take on board that there must be flexibility to allow them to respond to local needs. I feel that she understands my reasoning about PVIs: they have suffered with the iniquities of funding. Having heard all of the Minister’s reassurances, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment 202 withdrawn. Amendment 203 not moved. Clause 196 : Arrangements in respect of early childhood services Clause 196 : Arrangements in respect of early childhood services Amendment 204 not moved. Clause 197 : Free of charge early years provision: budgetary framework: England Amendment 205 Clause 197 : Free of charge early years provision: budgetary framework: England Amendment 205 Moved by