I would like to congratulate Steve Biddulph on bravely raising some excellent points (Special Report, 9 March). He may well find that his views have much support among childcare workers, although many will be too cautious to agree with him out loud for fear of upsetting clients. Mr Biddulph's findings agree with my own instinct as a parent that I did not want my son placed in a 'one-size-fits-all' nursery when he was a young baby. However, what is worth considering is the point that columnist Beatrix Campbell makes in the same issue of Nursery World - there is a need for mothers to return to work soon after having had a baby so that they do not lose their foothold on the career ladder.
I would like to congratulate Steve Biddulph on bravely raising some excellent points (Special Report, 9 March). He may well find that his views have much support among childcare workers, although many will be too cautious to agree with him out loud for fear of upsetting clients.
Mr Biddulph's findings agree with my own instinct as a parent that I did not want my son placed in a 'one-size-fits-all' nursery when he was a young baby. However, what is worth considering is the point that columnist Beatrix Campbell makes in the same issue of Nursery World - there is a need for mothers to return to work soon after having had a baby so that they do not lose their foothold on the career ladder.
The need for childcare is a fact of life. But perhaps the need for small, family-like nurseries, furnished in a 'homely' style, where children of different ages mix freely should be considered.
* Alison Anderson, nursery manager, Nottingham
