In some ways, the language of the report by the Centre for Social Justice is surprising, with its stress on nurture, relationships and attachment (see News, page 3). The involvement of some respected child development experts in the ten-month commission comes through to provide a contrast with the usually dry policy-speak of most such reports.
However, the recommendations are rather more in the expected Conservative mould. The spectre of deregulation looms, with the suggestion that parents should be able to claim tax credits to pay unregistered close relatives. Who would count as close? How would children be safeguarded? Duncan Smith wrote in one newspaper that research proved that informal care from relatives followed that from motivated parents as an 'excellent childcare source'. In fact, some studies have shown the opposite - that developmental outcomes can be worse in such circumstances.
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