Analysis: On reflection ... see who's saying what about this issuefor the early years

The UK Government's ten-year childcare strategy has a similar goal at its heart, but it needs to raise its aspirations if we are to reduce child poverty and improve learning outcomes in the crucial early years. New Zealand has put young children at the heart of its early education programme, and put in the funding to match. Given the political will, there is no reason why the UK could not do the same.'

Emma Knights, Daycare Trust joint chief executive

'New Zealand is a country with many different kinds of provider, and many different understandings of what should be provided for young children. It is very good that the Government is taking such a lead in raising standards, especially doing everything possible to make sure that children enjoy learning thoroughly and do well at it. The appointment of many well-trained kindergarten teachers will make a real difference. But New Zealand still faces challenges ahead about how to manage the early education and childcare market, and how to balance profit and non-profit care, and I'm not sure, from the presentation we heard, that those challenges are being addressed.'

Helen Penn, professor of early childhood studies at the University of East London

'New Zealand has been addressing the issue of provision of early education and care across a wide front. But there is a sense that this is not before time because, as Karl Le Quesne modestly confirmed, they were starting from a low baseline. For instance, a free early education entitlement for all three- and four-year-olds was introduced only this year. He also talked about setting stringent targets and criteria for improved staff qualifications; in contrast, after the introduction of the National Childcare Strategy, we waited years for the British Government to introduce early years training and qualifications targets. But Mr Le Quesne acknowledged that achieving the 2010 target for qualified teachers in each setting now looks doubtful. So there is a question about what the New Zealand government will do then, as this target has been explicitly linked to a setting's licence to operate. The policies are brilliant in principle, but in a mixed market childcare economy like the New Zealand one, I would keep an open mind as to their likely success. The approach taken is courageous, though, and I would like New Zealand to succeed.'

Eva Lloyd, Reader in Early Childhood at the University of East London

'NDNA welcomes the New Zealand government's direct investment programme, which ensures that children can access the benefits of high-quality childcare and well-qualified staff without passing the costs on to parents. NDNA also welcomes how direct funding has ensured that those in early years are as well paid as their teaching counterparts. As we see more and more graduate leaders come on board, pay and the related status will become an increasing issue for both providers and the Government. However, while we do strongly believe that increased direct investment is required from the British Government, it is absolutely vital that in the event that this happens, it is made available to the PVI sector. These providers are already making a huge difference in the lives of children, and direct investment would enable them to improve this further by developing staff and paying wages to help recruit and retain the best, while keeping childcare at a price that parents can afford.'

Purnima Tanuku, chief executive of National Day Nurseries Association

'The New Zealand story is so impressive and the Liberal Democrats would definitely aspire to the same outcomes for our country. As a starting point we are proposing doubling the amount of money available for training the workforce, and spending more money to ensure that children from the poorest families are accessing good quality early education. If we wish to break the cycle of child poverty, we must not only encourage parents to return to work but also provide opportunities for children in workless families.'

Annette Brooke, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for children and families.