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Daycare Trust welcomes new flexible childcare rights

17 March 2010

Daycare Trust welcomes new flexible childcare rights

Daycare Trust, the national childcare charity has welcomed the government announcement on new measures to support young families and children - which include the right of parents to ask for more flexible free childcare.

The package, launched by the Department for Children Schools and Families to mark the opening of the 3,500th Sure Start children's centre also include improvements to maternity and early years services for families; a review of nursery food standards; and a guarantee of a personal Sure Start contact for all expectant parents.

As part of the announcement comes the publication of new statutory guidance on the free early education entitlement for all three and four-year olds and some two-year olds, which will increase to fifteen hours a week in September. This will enable parents to ask their local authority to find them free early learning and childcare provision at the time they want and which suits their needs.  Daycare Trust has long campaigned for increased flexibility for parents in their use of their free childcare entitlements, and warmly welcomed today's announcement.  

Alison Garnham, Chief Executive of Daycare Trust commented:

" We are pleased that parents will now have the right to request flexible childcare, and we hope that local authorities  across the UK will work with providers to fulfil the needs of parents. This is essential to ensure parents make full use of what they are entitled to. These free places offer a stepping stone for many into new activities such as training or paid work and it is vital that the hours can be taken as flexibly as possible to make best use of this time.

It is a fantastic achievement and real cause for celebration that 3,500 children's centres have now been opened. Daycare Trust campaigned vigorously for their creation and we are delighted at the huge success they have been in providing benefits to children, families and entire communities. Sure Start has the potential to transform children's futures and help them flourish, and it is important that there continues to be universal access for all children to their local centre and, for parents, the support with childcare they provide is invaluable."

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. 

Daycare Trust runs an Information Line  on 0845 872 6251, open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10.00am-1.00pm and 2.00pm-5.00pm, Wed 2.00pm-5.00pm (only). Parents can also visit www.daycaretrust.org.uk and www.payingforchildcare.org.uk for information.

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

For more on today's DCSF announcement see www.dcsf.gov.uk.

• For further information, contact press office at Daycare Trust on 020 7940 7525 (out of hours 07796 886 648).

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