'In my view' column for Nursery World, February 2006

Written by Annette Brooke MP and published in Nursery World on Thu 19th Jan 2006

Annette at 'Cuddles' nursery school in her constituency

The Government is to be congratulated on the progress that has been made in the provision of childcare since 1997 and overall the new Childcare Bill is to be welcomed. However, as always the devil is in the detail and despite having spent 9 sessions in scrutinising the Bill in Committee, for me there remain many unanswered questions. For example, will local authorities have adequate resources to meet the requirements of the Bill? I want this Bill to make a difference but without sufficient funding what true progress will be made?

The proposed new duties on local authorities only apply to working parents or those undertaking training or education which will assist in obtaining work. Hence there is the question of workless families. Such families may include children or parents with disabilities and they may have a need for childcare beyond the need to work. Securing provision of suitable childcare should enhance the well-being of families in itself, regardless of work, childcare can be a cost-effective intervention. It is interesting to note that currently the Bill does not include the word 'family'.

It is to be welcomed that at least the Bill does specifically mention childcare for children with disabilities albeit linked to parents working. However, quality placements for children with disabilities will need adequate resourcing.

Much of the early press coverage on the Bill centred around the 'Early Years Foundation Stage' which was crudely dubbed a curriculum for babies. As I want to see quality early years provision I don't think it is madness to merge the existing 'Birth to Three Matters' and 'Foundation Stage'. However, the underlying principles must be right and appropriate to the different age groups and I am pleased that there will be extensive consultation in this area. Currently, the word 'taught' is on the face of the Bill and I believe this is one area where the Government must give a clear indication that it is not aiming for a prescriptive curriculum and that that it accepts an amendment.