Let parents choose

The Government's latest plans to extend maternity leave only serve to deepen my concern that parents are being railroaded into choosing how their children are cared for. Yes, there is mounting evidence to show that leaving under-twos in group care can result in long-term behavioural and learning difficulties. And that is sure to increase parents' anxiety and guilt. But the fact remains that more than 200,000 children under three in the UK attend a day nursery and their parents clearly believe they are making the right choice.