Government must not ignore childcare wake up call - Brooke

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 5th Apr 2007

Good quality childcare is an invaluable resource - Brooke

Commenting on the publication of the National Evaluation of the Neighbourhood Nurseries Initiative by the Department for Education and Skills, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Children, Young People and Families, Annette Brooke MP said:

"Childcare is an invaluable resource for many families around the country and we must put the results of this study in context.

"There are very good reasons why parents need to work, and for those who do it is essential that they are secure in the knowledge that their children are accessing quality childcare. The Government should increase parental support and flexible working options to allow families to find the right balance for them.

"The first few years of a child's life are vitally important for their development, and we need a childcare system which reflects this. We continue to call for the introduction of a specialist teaching qualification in Early Years education and a real focus on quality provision.

"The quality of childcare across the UK is patchy. This report raises significant questions about the implementation of Government policy at a local level, and its conclusions should not be ignored."