The meeting in London last week had been proposed by John Hayes, shadow schools minister. It brought together delegates from the National Early Years Network (NEYN), National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA), Early Education, Daycare Trust, National Campaign for Nursery Education, and National Childminding Association (NCMA) to discuss early years issues. A representative from the Pre-school Learning Alliance attended in an observational capacity.
The press release issued afterwards by Conservative Central Office claimed a number of key action points were agreed at the meeting. It said these included that 'a strategic view of early years provision is urgently required'; 'in future, partnerships with and the involvement of parents, the community and the voluntary sector should be maximised'; and that 'continuity and stability for children must replace patchy provision'.
Rosemary Murphy, NDNA chief executive, said she was angry because by naming the organisations who attended the meeting, the press release was implying that they endorsed Conservative early years policies. She said, 'John Hayes insisted this was not going to be a political meeting and that we were only going to be discussing the current state of the early years sector to help formulate Conservative policy. The only agreed comment was that he intends to ask a question in the House about the Select Committee report on the early years. We were totally unaware there was going to be a press release afterwards. I feel we have been duped.'
Gill Haynes, chief executive of the NCMA, said, 'They issued the press release without clearing it with any of us. We understood the meeting was being carried out on a confidential basis.'
Margaret Lochrie, chief executive of the Pre-school Learning Alliance, said, 'We simply sent an observer to the meeting so it's sad to see a press release that infers our support for any action plan.'
Eva Lloyd, NEYNchief executive, said, 'We're always happy to brief any opposition party. As for the press release, it has been that kind of week in politics. It just makes me laugh.'
