Early years professionals and organisations have been taking stock after the sector suddenly became the new political battleground with both major parties outlining policies to extend childcare and claiming to be the champions of parental choice.
After years of being seen by politicians and the media as worthy but dull, the sector has finally come of age: childcare is a sexy, political issue.
Traditionally politicians got themselves photographed kissing babies to win the family vote, but both Labour and the Conservatives have woken up to the idea that a better way of wooing working parents is via their pockets.
'It is welcome news that childcare has been flagged up on the public and political agenda and stimulated a lot of debate,' says Stephen Burke, director of the Daycare Trust.
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