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Duty on Local Authorities must have teeth, says Pre-school Learning Alliance

NEWS RELEASE

15 July 2005

Duty on Local Authorities must have teeth, says Pre-school Learning Alliance

The duty on local authorities to secure sufficient local childcare must be monitored effectively, the Pre-school Learning Alliance said today. Speaking as the Department for Education and Skills launched a consultation on the Childcare Bill, Steve Alexander, Chief Executive of the Pre-school Learning Alliance said:

"We welcome the publication of this consultation as it marks an important step in the implementation of the ten-year strategy. In particular, the duty on local authorities to secure sufficient childcare is crucial if parents are to get the range of services they want and need. This means offering real parental choice, by working in partnership with all providers, including those from the voluntary, private and community sectors and building on, rather than replacing, existing provision".

"While many local authorities embrace partnership working, others currently display a total disregard for it. The legislation must have teeth, to ensure that authorities are monitored effectively from the outset, when services are developed. The government must be able to take action with those authorities that seek to monopolise services at the expense of choice for parents and families".

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Andrew Fletcher
Pre-school Learning Alliance
T: 020 7833 0991
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 500,000 young children and their families in England. Established in 1961 and registered as an educational charity, the Alliance is the national dimension of the pre-school movement. The charity 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 consultation on the Childcare Bill was introduced today. More information can be accessed at www.dfes.gov.uk
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