Sector leaders give their views on the coalition and the new education department

Alison Garnham, chief executive of the Daycare Trust, said, 'The rebranding of the Department for Education raises questions about the place of early years in the new coalition government's policy agenda. We hope the news is good - but in the meantime, Daycare Trust will be pressing for the integration of early education and childcare in one department. We believe this is utterly essential to delivering the high quality education and care that helps improve the outcomes of all children. As yet there have been no announcements in this area yet and we look forward to learning more about the government's intentions and priorities.'

Sir Paul Ennals, chief executive of the National Children's Bureau, added, 'It is essential that we retain early intervention services as it's been proven to be cost effective in the longer term. We must work towards a common goal of avoiding duplication across agencies whilst reducing the burden of regulation, inspection and target-setting. Ultimately, it is in the best interests of children, young people and families that the expertise within the sector is used to help craft out where budget cuts should be made. I believe that there is potential for making significant savings, while still maintaining the range of frontline services which so effectively support children to achieve and thrive.'

Anne Longfield, chief executive of 4Children, said, 'What matters to families is not what a department is called but what it does. We, like families up and down the country, will judge the new Department by its actions rather than its title.'