To the point...

Like many operators of children's nurseries in the private sector, I am sometimes at a loss to understand the Government's true position on childcare. Do they genuinely believe in a public-private partnership - or are we in the private sector being duped? The question is an important one, and not just for us.

The private sector has spent around 3bn recreating nursery provision previously operated by local authorities, but which had been allowed to disappear because of lack of finance. Now that the private sector has re-established this infrastructure, central government policy seems determined to jeopardise its existence.

There are more than just a few cynics among us who believe that the 'old Labour' dogma of the inappropriate nature of private enterprise in education and healthcare is in fact the secret driver of government policy.

There are many examples which suggest this, but children's centres are probably the most current. The development of children's centres may or may not turn out to be a good idea. Certainly, the jury remains out as to whether some of the facilities provided in such centres are really what parents want and will use. That aside, childcare provision at an affordable rate in all areas is a laudable idea. It is not, however, unique to the UK.

Many countries share such an aspiration, including Australia, but their way of tackling the problem has been far removed from current UK thinking.

In Australia, as here, the private sector had developed itself to a position of over-supply in many locations. Seeking a cost- efficient method of meeting their childcare requirements, the Australian government chose the obvious route of striking a deal - quite a tough deal - with private sector operators to utilise their surplus capacity. This had a number of advantages to the Australian taxpayer, not least a reduction in highly expensive capital projects, the provision of affordable childcare for those in need, and the ability to retain the existing childcare infrastructure.

Having spoken to other members of the 'Large Providers Forum', I am fully aware that a similar method of providing subsidised childcare would find favour in England. However, many of those seeking to develop such a public-private relationship are becoming saddened by the stonewalling and bureaucracy they encounter.

It is hard not to think that dogma is running English policy, rather than a desire for affordable and sustainable childcare.

Alan Bentley is chairman of the Childcare Corporation