The call by Alan Bentley, chairman of nursery group Childcare Corporation, for the private nursery sector to form a new trade association to represent its interests may seem to have come out of the blue (see News, page 4, and 'To the point', page 31). This issue has been bubbling away for a few years, however, without a decisive thrust to push things forward. The constant negative portrayal of private nurseries and nursery care in the national media, and the lack of a level playing field in terms of Government initiatives, have finally persuaded at least one of the large nursery chains that the way to fight back is to have representation especially for the private sector. At the same time, the number of local associations for the private and voluntary sector that are forming around the country to protest against nursery education grant rules is growing weekly (see News, pages 4-5). Harnessing all this energy and anger could be very productive.
The call by Alan Bentley, chairman of nursery group Childcare Corporation, for the private nursery sector to form a new trade association to represent its interests may seem to have come out of the blue (see News, page 4, and 'To the point', page 31). This issue has been bubbling away for a few years, however, without a decisive thrust to push things forward.
The constant negative portrayal of private nurseries and nursery care in the national media, and the lack of a level playing field in terms of Government initiatives, have finally persuaded at least one of the large nursery chains that the way to fight back is to have representation especially for the private sector. At the same time, the number of local associations for the private and voluntary sector that are forming around the country to protest against nursery education grant rules is growing weekly (see News, pages 4-5). Harnessing all this energy and anger could be very productive.
But should the private sector separate its interests and representation from those of children's daycare and early education providers as a whole? Is it better for all providers, who have much in common after all, to speak with one voice regardless of their financial structure?
The debate has now been set alight. Do let us know your opinion by e-mailing us at letters@nurseryworld.co.uk.
