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Daycare Trust welcome refreshed childcare strategy

28 January 2009 - Daycare Trust's response to the publication of ‘Next Steps for Early Learning and Childcare: Building on the 10-Year Strategy’ by the Department for Children Schools and Families

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE USE

CONTACT: DAYCARE TRUST PRESS OFFICE, 020 7840 3350, OUT OF HOURS 07736 311 082

Responding to the publication of ‘Next Steps for Early Learning and Childcare: Building on the 10-Year Strategy’ by the Department for Children Schools and Families, Daycare Trust Joint Chief Executive Alison Garnham said:

“We warmly welcome many of the proposals in the ‘refreshed’ strategy.

“The emphasis on increasing the quality of childcare by driving up qualifications in the workforce is welcome, and we agree with the Government that attracting graduates to work in childcare is not just about giving them management roles; graduates must be involved in the front line, delivering early childhood education and care.

“We were especially pleased with the proposal for a ‘Teachfirst’ style scheme to attract high calibre graduates to work in early childhood education and care, as we called for this in a report to the DCSF (DfES as was) in 2007.

“The announcement that the government will pilot paying 100% rather than 80% of the costs of childcare through tax credits is a huge step forward. This is something we have long called for and we are confident that done properly this measure will increase take-up of tax credits.

“At a time when the Government are planning legislation to end child poverty they must always remember that childcare is a crucial piece of the jigsaw.”

Ends.

NOTES TO EDITORS

Daycare Trust is the national childcare charity, campaigning for quality affordable accessible childcare for all and raising the voices of children, parents and carers. We advise parents and carers, providers, employers, trade unions and policymakers on childcare issues. We recognise that everyone is unique and we value difference in our communities. We listen to all views and are committed to act without prejudice. We oppose all discrimination and promote equality in all we do.

Daycare Trust is calling on the government to:

• Meet parents' aspirations for universal childcare services by:
  • expanding free places for two, three and four-year olds to at least 20 hours a week, for 48 weeks in the year and
  • subsidising out of school activities for all 11-14s and for younger children from poorer families, aiming ultimately to make them free.
• Tackle the affordability crisis by giving local authorities the means to develop sustainable services in poorer areas and provide free places for those missing out, including places for disabled children, parents needing out of hours care, Further Education students and parents of under-threes who want to train.
• Raise the bar on childcare quality by expanding the Graduate Leader Fund, developing a new generation of childcare professionals and paying them properly.

Daycare Trust’s Information Line on 0845 872 6251 offers information to parents, employers and professionals on childcare options and financial help with childcare costs now also offers a telephone interpretation service.
Opening hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 10am-1pm and 2-5pm & Wednesday 2-5pm.

Daycare Trust is a member of the Campaign to End Child Poverty, www.ecpc.org.uk.

For further information, contact press office at Daycare Trust on 020 7840 3350, ext 217 (out of hours 0780-4508768).

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