Yes, there is mounting evidence to show that leaving under-twos in group care can result in long-term behavioural and learning difficulties. And that is sure to increase parents' anxiety and guilt. But the fact remains that more than 200,000 children under three in the UK attend a day nursery and their parents clearly believe they are making the right choice.
Decisions about childcare are agonising enough without the Government bulldozing parents down one particular route by extending maternity leave.
Rather, they should be educating parents about the choices available and making them aware that there are alternatives to nurseries.
A well-trained nanny is a viable option for all types of families.
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