Alliance comments on the publication of the action plan for the Ten Year strategy
NEWS RELEASE
21 April 2006
Alliance comments on the publication of the action plan for the Ten Year strategy
Leading early years charity the Pre-school Learning Alliance today commented on the publication of the government’s action plan for the ten year strategy.
Pre-school Learning Alliance Chief Executive, Steve Alexander said:
‘Like everyone involved with early years, we have consistently encouraged government to be clear about how it intends to deliver the ambitious objectives set out in the ten year strategy. So, I am pleased that this comprehensive document has been published at a time when providers are seeking clear direction on the future of childcare services.
A number of concerns remain, however. In particular, there is an inherent tension between the desire to secure genuine choice and flexibility for parents and the in-built bias to invest in a small number of models. The paper talks a lot about parental demand driving the supply of services. However, the vast majority of funding is allocated to develop a children’s centre in every community. Laudable an aim though it is, genuine choice will only be achieved by investing across the board in different types of provision. Similarly, the Transformation Fund, designed to boost the skills and qualifications of childcare workers across the sector, appears to be predominantly focused on practitioners working in settings offering full daycare.
I am pleased that the implementation plan recognises the importance of partnership working between local authorities and the voluntary, private and maintained sectors. It is crucial that clear streams of funding are identified and, where necessary, ring-fenced to ensure that adequate recourses are attached to the bold objectives. With the Childcare Bill still before Parliament, government must give a clear steer to local authorities about how money is to be spent’.
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Andy Fletcher
Pre-school Learning Alliance
T: 020 7697 2508
Out of hours press calls: 07979 531 130
E: Andy Fletcher
Notes for Editors:
- 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