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Alliance calls for greater focus on parental involvement as decision makers gather in Parliament

NEWS RELEASE

14 June 2006

Alliance calls for greater focus on parental involvement as decision makers gather in Parliament

Leading early years charity, the Pre-school Learning Alliance, today hosts an agenda-setting event in the House of Commons. MPs and Lords from around the country are set to gather at the Alliance’s Parliamentary Reception to hear speakers from each of the main political parties talk about why early years services need to respond to the differing needs of children and families and about ways to achieve this.

The reception, which is being held as part of National Sure Start Month, is being co-hosted by a cross party group of MPs including; Joan Humble MP, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Childcare Group; Annette Brooke MP, Liberal Democrat Education Spokesperson and Paul Goodman, Conservative Shadow Minister for Childcare.

The Alliance has invited a number of early years representatives to discuss with MPs and Lords the importance of involving parents in the development of childcare policy and provision. The reception also sees the launch of the Footsteps parent membership scheme, run in association with Bounty, allowing the Alliance to reach out and support over 800,000 parents and families with regular information and advice.

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

“The ten year childcare strategy makes clear that choice and consultation with parents is a vital element in the delivery of high quality early years services. As a parent led organisation, we know first hand that parents, as the prime educators of their children, must be in the driving seat of childcare policy-making and practice. The Alliance, as a charity built upon the voices of parents and children, continues to support parents with initiatives such as the Footsteps parent membership scheme. We know that many decision makers support our vision, but there is a continuing need to refocus minds on this important issue”

“I am delighted that so many MPs and Lords have shown their commitment to the early years and I look forward to working with them over the coming year.”

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Ben Miskell
Pre-school Learning Alliance
T: 020 7697 2508
Out of hours press calls: 07802 827 678
E: Ben Miskell

Notes for Editors:

  1. The Pre-school Learning Alliance links 15,000 pre-schools and 800,000 young children and their families in England. Established in 1961 and registered as an educational charity, the Alliance is involved in more Sure Start projects than any other organisation and operates a number of Neighbourhood Nurseries. For information about the Pre-school Learning Alliance, visit our website: www.pre-school.org.uk
  2. The Parliamentary Reception will take place in the Palace of Westminster from 4pm till 6pm on Wednesday 14 June. For further logistical details about the event, please contact Ben Miskell on 020 7697 2508.
  3. Photos from the event are available on request by calling Ben Miskell on 020 7697 2508.
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