Analysis: On reflection ... see who's saying what about this issuefor the early years

The UK Government's ten-year childcare strategy has a similar goal at its heart, but it needs to raise its aspirations if we are to reduce child poverty and improve learning outcomes in the crucial early years. New Zealand has put young children at the heart of its early education programme, and put in the funding to match. Given the political will, there is no reason why the UK could not do the same.'

Emma Knights, Daycare Trust joint chief executive

'New Zealand is a country with many different kinds of provider, and many different understandings of what should be provided for young children. It is very good that the Government is taking such a lead in raising standards, especially doing everything possible to make sure that children enjoy learning thoroughly and do well at it. The appointment of many well-trained kindergarten teachers will make a real difference. But New Zealand still faces challenges ahead about how to manage the early education and childcare market, and how to balance profit and non-profit care, and I'm not sure, from the presentation we heard, that those challenges are being addressed.'