8 December 2008 - Daycare Trusts's response to the publication of the DWP White Paper ‘Raising Expectations’
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FOR IMMEDIATE USE
CONTACT: DAYCARE TRUST PRESS OFFICE, 020 7840 3350, OUT OF HOURS 0780-4508768
The Government must meet lone parents half way
Responding to the publication of the DWP White Paper ‘Raising Expectations’ , Daycare Trust Joint Chief Executive Alison Garnham said:
“Of course the Secretary of State James Purnell is right that some lone parents will benefit from returning to work, but for this to be possible it is essential that parents have access to high quality, affordable childcare. Availability varies from area to area, and it is especially difficult for lone parents entering shift work to find childcare at atypical hours, or for disabled children.
“The Government must meet lone parents half way. Lone parents may be very keen to prepare for work, but they cannot be expected to undertake activities which exceed the twelve and half hours of free childcare to which they are currently entitled, and the right to work flexibly must be guaranteed.”
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 runs an information line (020 7840 3350) on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am-5pm. Parents can also visit www.daycaretrust.org.uk for information.
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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