Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg and shadow children's secretaryMichael Gove addressed the 'Creating Opportunities, Building Futures'conference organised by 4Children.
Mr Clegg attacked the Government for failing to tackle inequality inchildcare and early years education. He said, 'We aren't doing anywherenear enough in these earliest years to root out inequality. Sure Startisn't reaching the people who need it most, despite the best ofintentions. Free nursery places aren't free at all for many parents. Andworkless families are struggling to access good-quality childcare.'
Lib Dem proposals include:increasing maternity pay to the equivalent ofthe full-time minimum wage for a minimum of nine months; flexibleworking for all parents with strong tribunals to make it work; 20 hoursa week free childcare; putting more resources into the transformationfund to improve training; and extending childcare tax credit to worklessfamilies by removing people on above-average incomes from means-testedbenefits.
Mr Gove said the Conservative party would not stop tax credits. 'Werecognise that tax credits have a useful part to play in ensuring thatthose in need receive the support that they require ... but they do notprovide people with the springboard to move out of dependence on thestate.'
He proposed helping people out of long-term poverty by: ensuring supportis given to couples with children to stay together; investing more inthe health visitor system to provide support before and after birth;identifying best practice in the state sector and replicating it acrossthe UK; and ensuring all children can read after two years at primaryschool, unless they have severe learning difficulties.
