Mrs Hodge said 'enormous gains' had been made in putting early years and childcare on the political agenda and developing new provision, and that the setting up and successes of the EYDCPs in England were a particular achievement.
She also stressed that early years was a key commitment in the Labour manifesto and said she thought it was a 'positive environment' for continued development.
Mrs Hodge added that she hopes to continue her own commitment to the early years in her new role, as minister of state for lifelong learning and higher education, which will include training for childcarers. She is responsible for education for over-16s and the new Learning and Skills Councils.
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