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Do not delay the Childcare Bill, urges Alliance, as Parliament prepares to rise for recess

NEWS RELEASE

14 February 2006

Do not delay the Childcare Bill, urges Alliance, as Parliament prepares to rise for recess

Leading early years charity the Pre-school Learning Alliance today urged Government not to delay the Childcare Bill, which was last debated by MPs on 15 December, when it completed its Committee Stage in the House of Commons.

The Bill, which represents a significant development in the delivery of early years care and education, was originally scheduled to be debated by MPs on the 25 January, but was postponed to allow time for the Merchant Shipping Bill. Government has suggested that it would be debated further ‘as soon as business allows’. With Parliament rising for recess on Friday, a firm date for the next stage is yet to be set.

Pre-school Learning Alliance Chief Executive Steve Alexander said:

‘Despite a busy Parliamentary agenda, we hope that the Government chooses to prioritise childcare in the coming weeks. In order to ensure stability, providers and local authorities need clarity on how the new duties will work in practice. The Bill is highly significant and it is vital that MPs and peers have sufficient time to debate the Bill in detail. In addition, the crucial guidance to accompany the Bill needs to be considered carefully to ensure it strikes the balance between local flexibility and strong partnerships between authorities and voluntary and private providers’.

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Andrew Fletcher
Pre-school Learning Alliance
T: 020 7014 9301
Out of hours press calls: 07979 531 130
E: Andrew Fletcher

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. A copy of the Alliance’s response to the Childcare Bill can be accessed at www.pre-school.org.uk. Follow the News and Policy 2005 links
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