Labour party reveals plans to 'revolutionise childcare'

The shadow minister said that the answer to getting more women in work is to make more childcare provision available.

However, he warned that after 2015/16 finances will look even bleaker and the country will be faced with the problem of expanding provision, while ensuring value for money and quality of care.

Mr Byrne went on to criticise the Government for basing their proposals in More Great Childcare on models in France and said better examples exist in Denmark and Quebec, Canada.

He told delegates at the Pre-School Learning Alliance's annual conference - 'More than just a number', that Denmark has more childcare provision and staff are paid higher salaries.

He added that ten per cent more women In Denmark are in work than in the UK.

The shadow secretary for work and pensions said, ‘The Government has made a big mistake in cutting support to families and it has made the challenge harder.

‘Parents have seen a £50 billion cut in funding, which equates to £1,500 less per family.'

He went on to say that while the Government is introducing a tax free childcare scheme it would not be until 2015, and families need the money now.

‘To get out of the hole more people need to be in work and for that to happen there needs to be more available childcare,’ he said.

In answer to a delegate’s question about the sector being undervalued and underpaid, Mr Byrne agreed and said Labour would provide answers to this issue in its party manifesto in 2015.