Outlining plans for an extension of free childcare places to every two-year-old on the eve of a critical party conference, against a backdrop of disastrous poll ratings and amid an air of fatalism in Labour ranks, was bound to leave Gordon Brown open to the charge of opportunism.
But then examine his comments and the 'plans' are in fact only an 'aspiration', which suggests that they have not really been thought through. And for many providers - as well as early years and childcare organisations - that is the problem.
Many have voiced their support in principle for the proposal, which could mean places for up to 600,000 children, a large proportion of them from some of the most disadvantaged communities. But, with providers worried that existing funding for the so-called 'free' entitlement for three- and four-years-olds remains inadequate and threatens their sustainability, it would be surprising if there were unreserved joy at Mr Brown's announcement.
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