There are two simple principles that underpin my outlook on the future of childcare in this country.
First, we should support the choices that parents make. In the past, the Conservatives have given the impression that young mothers should stay at home. Today, the Labour Party gives the impression that all young mothers should work. Both are wrong. We need a new approach for a new generation, where we should support the choices that mothers make for themselves.
Second, we need to recognise childcare is a shared responsibility. There are different bodies involved in the provision of childcare, from Government initiatives such as Sure Start, to private providers, voluntary sector, grandparents and friends. We cannot impose a one-size-fits-all model on childcare provision.
In practice, promoting choice and shared responsibility means supporting voluntary, independent and private providers and ensuring they are not crowded out by government monopoly.
That is why we are looking at ways of making sure working parents get their childcare tax credit irrespective of the childcare they use, and are not compelled into a particular choice through financial incentives. We should also look at reducing the regulatory burden on providers.
The family is not just the basic unit of society, but the most effective part of society. What other organisation does more to look after the elderly, bring up children, and shape our values and ways of seeing? Everything I would do in Government would have to pass one simple test: will this help make families to do more of what they do? By trusting parents in the childcare choice they make, we will help make families stronger.
Should children under three years be in nursery? 'Experts' say that they shouldn't, because children cannot form attachments at nursery because of high staff turnover. This is not always true. Most nurseries are well-run with a stable staff group and children are happy and secure. Our staff have a very close relationship with the children and parents.
'Experts' also say that children should be cared for by grandparents or family. Why should grandparents be expected to regularly look after the grandchildren? They have had their children and should be allowed the freedom to enjoy retirement. This burden should not be put upon them. It can cause difficulties in relationships.
The only disadvantage that a good nursery has compared with family care is the mountain of paperwork - for example, daily diaries; sleep, feeding and nappy charts; noting stages of development. This takes care away from the child. You don't see grandparents or other family members filling out forms - they spend quality time with the child.
At our nursery we have rebelled and do minimum paperwork. We asked the parents, do you prefer chart filling and written observations, or walks in the park and visits to the shops? I don't need to give you the answer.
* Marcella Cunningham, Clifton Tots Day Nursery, Bristol
