Alliance praises Government for Childcare Bill changes
NEWS RELEASE
1 November 2005
Alliance praises Government for Childcare Bill changes
The Pre-school Learning Alliance, a leading early years charity today commented on the Minister for Children's announcement on changes to proposals in the forthcoming Childcare Bill.
Commenting on the changes, Steve Alexander, Chief Executive of the Pre-school Learning Alliance said
"We are delighted that the government has decided to change the Childcare Bill to enforce a compulsory Ofsted Childcare Register for providers of childcare for children aged from 5 to 8 years. The Alliance has been at the forefront of opposition from a sector wide resistance to the original voluntary proposals. This change shows the government is really listening to key stakeholders in childcare. We also welcomed some of the other proposals including recognition of adult to child ratios and a single quality framework for education and care from birth to foundation stage. Safeguarding children is vital to provide them with the best start in life. We would however, question the policy of allowing Ofsted's childcare registration to be voluntary for children from 8 to 14. All children are potentially vulnerable we would like to see the Bill propose a compulsory register for children of all ages."
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Louise Banks
Pre-school Learning Alliance
T: 020 7014 9332
Out of hours press calls: 07979 531 130
E: Louise Banks
Notes for Editors:
- 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.