This commendable programme seeks to provide the best integrated care and education for children, and support for families by working in a multi-agency way. Yet am I right in thinking that none of the designated 58 centres in England are managed by the private sector, with a preponderance of these centres being based on maintained sector nursery schools adding daycare to their services?
In an age when the Government has acknowledged the skills of the private sector in both pre-school and statutory school-age education, the independents are being seriously overlooked. To my knowledge, day nurseries are the most robust and longstanding example of quality care and education services, with many offering formal and informal support to families and regularly working closely with colleagues from other agencies.
Last year the education select committee recommended that resources be available for the development of early years across the sectors. In the recognition of early excellence, this parity is not happening.
J Roland, Doncaster, Yorkshire
