Editor's view

Political party manifestos have been emerging left, right and centre over recent days. And as the NSPCC points out this week (see News, page 5), politicians of all persuasions have been quick to grab every baby-kissing photo opportunity going. Unpredictable as they may be, small children are much less likely than adults to harangue you about the state of the National Health Service or to throw eggs at you, after all. If children were to assess the main party manifestos for their commitment to bettering their lives, the Liberal Democrats would come out well with a broad range of initiatives and a promise to appoint a children's rights commissioner. Their ability to deliver is untested, however, and this is highly unlikely to change. Labour, meanwhile, has already flagged up much that is contained in its manifesto, but has still failed to commit itself to a children's commissioner for England to match the rest of the UK. The Conservatives pay scant regard to the needs of children as citizens in their own right and haven't mentioned their early years policies in their main manifesto. Let us know how you will vote on our website www.nursery-world.com.