It can be a daunting prospect for any parent to support their child financially, emotionally and throughout education, and to do a good job.
This is why I want to make a real difference to the quality of support that parents receive - through childcare, early education and family services, and through closer communication with parents everywhere. Nursery and early years professionals, together with teachers, are a vital part of this.
Working parents need quality childcare, all children benefit from early years education and some families need extra support. So what provision is available to parents in the community?
The Children's Information Service (call 0800 096 0296 to get local details) provides details of childcare options, such as nurseries, childminders and playgroups. All are checked by Ofsted for safety and quality of learning opportunities. Free early education is available in England for all four-year-olds and, by April 2004, every three-year-old will be entitled to a free part-time place. Extra help is targeted on areas where children face particular disadvantages. Sure Start programmes boost opportunities through parenting support, home visiting, and employment advice.
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