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Investment welcome but challenges ahead

NEWS RELEASE

28 September 2004

Investment welcome but challenges ahead

The Pre-school Learning Alliance, the largest voluntary sector provider of pre-school education and childcare in England, today welcomed the Prime Minister's commitment to choice and universal childcare in his Labour Party Conference speech in Brighton.

However the charity warned that under investment in the early years workforce threatens to undermine the long term vision of universal childcare.

Steve Alexander, Chief Executive of the Pre-school Learning Alliance said:

"We share the Prime Minister's vision for universal childcare that meets families needs and I am delighted that he has reaffirmed his commitment to long term investment in the sector.

However, the biggest challenge in the expansion of childcare is the need to recruit, train and sustain a qualified integrated workforce. This can only be done with full commitment to an equitable pay and conditions framework for all childcare professionals and increased support for all men and women wishing to pursue early years qualifications".

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Andrew Fletcher
Pre-school Learning Alliance
T: 020 7833 0991
Out of hours press calls: 07979 531 130
E: Andrew Fletcher

Notes for Editors:

  1. The Pre-school Learning Alliance links 15,000 pre-schools and 500,000 young children and their families in England. Established in 1961 and registered as an educational charity, the Alliance is the national dimension of the pre-school movement. For information regarding the Pre-school Learning Alliance, visit our website: www.pre-school.org.uk.
  2. The charity recently launched the next phase of its changing lives changing life campaign, which seeks to give all children the best possible start in life. For more information visit www.pre-school.org.uk or call 020 7833 0991
  3. Further information and all press releases are available on the Pre-school Learning Alliance's website: www.pre-school.org.uk or email pressoffice@pre-school.org.uk
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