Skip to content

High contrast

Parents’ top childcare priorities met by new Early Years framework according to Pre-school Learning Alliance research

NEWS RELEASE

5 September 2008

Parents’ top childcare priorities met by new Early Years framework according to Pre-school Learning Alliance research

The new Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) supports parents' top childcare priorities, according to research launched today by the Pre-School Learning Alliance, England's largest provider of childcare.

According to this survey, when choosing childcare three out of four parents consider a number of factors as the most important, including:

These are all key priorities reflected in the new EYFS, which became statutory on 1 September 2008 for all Ofsted registered private and independent childcare settings nation-wide.

The research found that parents believe children benefit from childcare in numerous ways with 94 percent of all parents putting interaction with other children and adults as the top benefit, followed by learning-through-play and developing a positive approach to learning.

In addition, parents also felt well-qualified staff who encourage creativity and exploration and treat each child as an individual, were key priorities for them when choosing childcare, factors that are at the heart of the EYFS. Kevin Brennan MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Children, Young People and Families said:

"When it comes to childcare, the priorities for parents are mirrored in the new Early Years framework. This survey highlights that parents want good quality childcare and this framework will ensure that all children, irrespective of the type of setting they attend, will get the same excellent standards of learning and care across the country."

Results showed that parents are becoming increasingly involved in their child's early years experience with 91 percent regularly discussing their child's progress with a key worker or being updated through a diary of their child's activities.

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

"As a major provider of childcare, keeping informed of parents' views is crucial in ensuring that the Alliance's services, and those of our members, meet parents and their children's needs as closely as possible. The Alliance has long-championed learning-through-play and parental involvement so we are particularly pleased to hear that these commitments, which are at the heart of the Alliance, and also key principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage, are top priorities for parents today. "

For the past two years, parent Kevin Harrington has sent his daughter Mollie to St. Werburghs Park Nursery in Bristol, which has been using the EYFS for the past year:

"Now that Mollie has had the opportunity to make friends at nursery and take part in activities that she finds fun and interesting, she has really learned to express herself and loves to interact with children and adults,"

said Kevin.

"All the activities at nursery keep her mind working. Her favourite activities are playing outdoors, painting and working on puzzles. Nursery has been a learning curve for me as well, as it's given me the confidence to take part in all kinds of activities with Mollie. We can now learn and play together, which is brilliant."

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Kate Summerside
Pre-school Learning Alliance
T: 020 7697 2502
Out of hours press calls: 07956 499621
E: Kate Summerside

Notes for Editors:

  1. 1034 Parents with children aged up to 5 years old responded to an online survey between 8 – 14 August 2008. The research was conducted by Opinion Matters Research Company.
  2. The Early Years Foundation Stage became statutory for reception and nursery classes in maintained and independent schools, day nurseries, childminders, playgroups, after school and breakfast clubs, holiday playschemes and Children's Centresin England on 1st September 2008. The framework is based on three previous frameworks: a. The existing curriculum for the Foundation Stage b. the Birth to Three Matters framework c. the national standards for under 8s daycare and childminding.
  3. It focuses on four key principles, the unique child, positive relationships, a safe and secure enabling environment and learning and development through play. For further details on the EYFS please see www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/eyfs/ or www.dcsf.gov.uk/publications/eyfs
  4. The Pre-school Learning Alliance is the largest voluntary sector provider of quality affordable childcare and education in England. 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. For more information about the Pre-school Learning Alliance, visit www.pre-school.org.uk
  5. Interviews and images are available on request for the PLA, Early Years staff, parents and experts.
1