07 April 2006
The government reaffirmed its commitment to improve childcare this week.
The action plan for the ten-year childcare strategy, published on April 4, provides a series of milestones for councils, which will be expected to assess parental demand and fill gaps in provision.
Launching the plan, Education Secretary Ruth Kelly said that, following investment of £17bn, there were 90% more child care places than in 1997.
'We must now keep up that momentum,' she said. 'The plan confirms our commitment to increase provision and improve flexibility.'
By April 2010 a council should be able to create a personalised package. All three- and four-year-olds will also have a weekly entitlement of 15 hours' education and childcare.
But Graeme Cooke, a researcher with the Institute for Public Policy Research, told Public Finance that there was a 'very mixed picture' of progress among councils.
The National Day Nurseries Association welcomed the plan but added that participation from the private and voluntary sectors was critical to its success.
PFapr2006
