women in london

 a directory of london based women's groups

 and other groups working for women in london

sections

> index
   > notice:

home page

Daycare Trust : Response to 10-Year Childcare Strategy

Government's Ten Year Childcare Strategy Is 'A Long-Term Investment In All Our Futures'

Daycare Trust warmly welcomes the Government's 10-year childcare strategy, which outlines a big and bold vision. In setting out this unprecedented, long-term commitment to children and families, the Government acknowledges there is much work needed to bring childcare provision up to the levels of the best in Europe, but is taking the right steps towards delivering the vision. Boosting all kinds of childcare services will bring huge benefits for children, their parents, workers in the sector and the economy as a whole.

Daycare Trust understands, through its research and work with parents and childcare providers, the positive impact this 10-year strategy will have. We have already consulted extensively with the Government in the preparation of this strategy and look forward to continuing to play a role in further reviews and implementation of the plans announced today.

We are especially pleased to see the Government tackling head-on some of the most pressing issues that Daycare Trust has been campaigning on, including:

• Increasing the amount of help parents can get through the Childcare Tax Credit
• Extending the duration of Free Part Time Nursery Education Places for three and four year-olds
• An extra 1,000 Children's Centres, creating 3,500 Children's Centres by 2010
• The goal of extending parental leave to 12 months

Stephen Burke, Director of Daycare Trust, said: “We are delighted that with this 10-year strategy the Government has recognised that much needs to be done to make our childcare services match the standards of the best in Europe.

“We are encouraged with the Government's demonstration of unprecedented commitment to realising a vision of universal childcare, giving children the best start in life and giving parents choices in how they balance their working lives and bring up their children.

“We look forward to continuing to work with all partners: To improve the quality of childcare, by tacking the skills gap in the workforce; to achieve real sustainability, by working with providers and the Government on long-term funding; and by talking to parents about the changes they want, we will play our role in making this 10-year strategy a success.”

Daycare Trust is the national childcare charity, campaigning for quality affordable childcare for all and raising the voices of children, parents and carers.

• We advise parents and carers, providers, employers, trade unions and policymakers on childcare issues.
• We recognise that everyone is unique and we value difference in our communities. We listen to all views and are committed to act without prejudice.
• We oppose all discrimination and promote equality in all we do.
• We run a childcare helpline (020 7840 3350) for parents with access to Language Line interpreters for non-English speakers, open for calls Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm.
• Callers can get a free copy of Daycare Trust's 'Choosing Childcare: Your Sure Start Guide to Childcare and Early Education', and a tax credit calculator, to find out how much tax credit parents may be eligible for towards the costs of childcare.
• Parents can also visit http://www.daycaretrust.org.uk for information.