Skip to content

High contrast

policy

NEWS RELEASE

21 April 2008

Policy Exchange report “Little Britons: Financing Childcare Choice” highlights pressing need to address parental choice, affordability of childcare and improve the universal offer says Pre-school Learning Alliance

Responding to the report published by the think-tank Policy Exchange, Steve Alexander, Chief Executive of the Pre-school Learning Alliance, the largest voluntary provider of childcare in England said,

"Policy Exchange's report highlights the critical issues affecting childcare providers and parents. As a major provider of childcare, the Alliance is concerned that the government's universal childcare offer is still not reaching enough of the children who have the most to benefit from it. Furthermore, we fear that funding interventions don't reflect or support, the diverse range of childcare options that parents can access.

Parental choice is, we believe, being further compromised by the increasing financial pressure on parents to work. While the Alliance strongly supports the government's desire to alleviate child poverty, we are concerned that, for some parents, this pressure is conflicting with the desire to stay at home to care for their young children. And, while we broadly support Policy Exchange's proposal of a Parental Care Allowance, we would recommend its use is for registered childcare and so enables parents to use support, such a sessional care, which fits in favourably with the rhythm of family life.

Making childcare affordable is also imperative if parents are realistically able to access it. However, fees need to reflect the true costs of delivering quality childcare so providers can remain sustainable. The lack of supply-side funding and interventions such as the nursery education funding are currently creating problems for providers as they strive to deliver quality affordable childcare. Furthermore, demand-side solutions such as the tax credit system for parents has not yet fulfilled its potential for those parents who may need it the most.

The Alliance is actively working with all those involved in making the ten year childcare strategy a success for children, families and providers and welcomes the Policy Exchange's findings as a valuable contribution to inform the debate and help shape and influence future policy developments and solutions."

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Kate Summerside
Pre-school Learning Alliance
T: 020 7697 2504
Out of hours press calls: 07956 499621
E: Kate Summerside

Notes for Editors:

  1. The Pre-school Learning Alliance is the largest voluntary sector provider of quality affordable childcare and education in England.
  2. Through direct provision and its membership of 15,000 nurseries, sessional pre-schools and parent and toddler groups, the Alliance supports over 800,000 children and their families in England. The Alliance also develops and runs family learning programmes, offers information and advice, runs acclaimed training and accreditation programmes and campaigns to influence early years policy and practice.
  3. For information about the Pre-school Learning Alliance, visit our website: www.pre-school.org.uk
1