The Government's goal of universal, affordable, high-quality childcare has wide support in the early years and childcare sector. However, there are potentially huge knock-on effects for private and voluntary sector day nurseries as initiatives like extended schools and children's centres roll out.
Will the unintended consequence of Government policy be to destabilise the sector that is delivering the lion's share of childcare today? Many day nurseries are facing tough decisions about their future, with the livelihoods and employment of experienced people now starting to be at risk.
With the Government set to publish its ten-year plan for childcare and early years, the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) is calling for a clear vision of how Government sees the pattern of delivery in 2020 and the contribution of the private and voluntary sector.
Day nurseries have the energy, expertise and business acumen to deliver for children and families. The Government should not miss out on the opportunity to capitalise on this, but it needs to address the barriers that are excluding day nurseries from taking part in new initiatives and put in place funding streams that can support both parental choice and flexibility.
Rosemary Murphy, chief executive, NDNA
