8 June 2010

Commitment to free entitlement to childcare is welcome

A leading childcare organisation has today welcomed the Government’s commitment to retaining the extension to the free entitlement to childcare.

Andrew Fletcher, Joint Chief Executive of the National Childminding Association (NCMA), said:

“It is encouraging that the Government has signalled a commitment to retaining the planned increase in the free entitlement to childcare to 15 hours a week from September 2010. Ministers have already said that they want this childcare to be provided by a diverse range of childcare providers and we see this as a positive step for registered childminders.

“We would also urge Ministers to continue their support for a childminding network in every local community; a key commitment of the previous Government. This is the only way to secure a ‘diverse’ childcare market, where parents have genuine choice. Currently only registered childminders who are accredited through a childminding network are able to deliver the free offer.

“We are also supportive of the Government’s commitment to continue a pilot of the free entitlement for 20,000 two-year-olds from the most disadvantaged communities, to narrow the gap in outcomes for these children. Registered childminders are ideally placed to care for very young children - as they provide a home environment and smaller groups of children.”