Judging from the press coverage following the publication of the 2007 Childcare and Early Years Survey undertaken by the National Centre for Social Research for the DCSF, you might have thought that the Ten-Year Strategy for Childcare launched in 2004 had failed entirely. Now that the dust has settled, it is important to take a longer-term view of the lessons for the future offered here.
Even though the overall picture remains largely unchanged since 2004, on closer inspection the report reveals clear pointers to what did work, as well as to what did not. The most pronounced increase in childcare places occurred after the 1998 introduction of the National Childcare Strategy. The fact that this has plateaued since its successor, the Ten-Year Strategy, was launched, is perhaps neither surprising nor proof of failure.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here
