I applaud this Government for recognising the importance to society of ending child poverty and tackling the inequality at its roots. Expanding and improving childcare services, so long neglected in Britain, is central to these objectives. The current consultation on the Childcare Bill offers the prospect of a universal childcare system at long last.
However, as part of the plan, the DfES is proposing to remove the legal requirement for non-school based, group childcare for six- and seven-year-olds to be registered and inspected. This would be damaging for children, undermine parents' confidence and put at risk the strides made to enhance the status and standards of the childcare sector. Rather than simplifying the system, it would cause confusion while overshadowing the major step forward the rest of the Bill will represent.
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