Nursery World - Manifesto for parties

The National Childminding Association (NCMA) is calling on all political parties to 'put families first' and commit themselves to quality childcare in their manifestos ahead of the next general election. The NCMA has published its own manifesto, 'Putting Families First', that aims to help the parties understand the specific needs of childminders. The 24 points in the manifesto include:

The NCMA has published its own manifesto, 'Putting Families First', that aims to help the parties understand the specific needs of childminders. The 24 points in the manifesto include:

* The creation of a childminding network as part of every children's centre in England and every integrated centre in Wales

* Start-up grants for new childminders

* Legislation changes, no later than 2010, to require all new childminders to achieve a level 3 qualification within five years of registration

* Eligibility for the childcare element of Working Tax Credit extended to childminders caring for their own children

* Reform and expansion of the tax credits system to support parents paying the full cost of childcare and free places for families on the lowest incomes

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