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Pre-school Learning Alliance welcomes the Government's Children's Plan

NEWS RELEASE

11 December 2007

Pre-school Learning Alliance welcomes the Government's Children's Plan

Steve Alexander, Chief Executive of the Pre-school Learning Alliance, England’s largest voluntary sector provider of childcare, said,

“There is much to be welcomed in this far-reaching and comprehensive Plan and the Alliance applauds the government for its commitment to children’s well-being, health and opportunities.

The values at the heart of the Children’s Plan very much reflect those which the Alliance has been championing for over 40 years; recognition of parents’ involvement in their child’s education as an essential foundation for their achievement, and the fundamental importance of play for children’s learning, development and well-being.

The Alliance welcomes the funding of £30 million to support family learning and looks forward to working with Government to share our expertise in this area. We also support the extension of the free entitlement to two year olds in areas of disadvantage, though we would urge that care is taken to ensure that early education for very young children is appropriate for their emotional, social and cognitive needs and, vitally, that parents are involved in provision so that they too can learn about learning and help their child develop.

The Alliance believes that the under 5s learn and develop best when supported by play-based, non-formalised nursery education which is appropriate for their age and individual stage, and which safeguards their wellbeing and happiness. We will be seeking to ensure that measures and learning goals affecting children, particularly four year olds at reception stage, do not see them pushed into formalised learning too early.

On the crucial issue of workforce development, while we welcome the funding announced which includes boosting the Graduate Leader Fund, the Alliance believes it important to highlight the fact that there is a pay differentiation which will have to be supported by providers – a challenge for a sector where low pay is still, unfortunately and unacceptably, the norm.

On children’s health and fitness, the Alliance believes that if real progress is to be made in reducing levels of obesity and improving health, then the proposals to improve children’s health need to expressly target the under 5s when eating tastes and habits are shaped and formed.

Finally, we welcome the funding being made available for safe play spaces. Such opportunities for play are vital. We would like to see the Plan deliver exciting play spaces which fire children's imaginations and offers opportunities for them to test boundaries safely and access the natural environment.”

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. 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
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