Press Release

Statement on PM's free childcare pledge

22 September 2008

Voice: the union for education professionals has given a cautious welcome to the Prime Minister's plan to extend free childcare places (to be announced on Tuesday 23 September 2008).

Principal Officer Alison Johnston said: "We welcome this annoucement, but we are disappointed that it seems it will be an aspiration rather than a pledge and may take many years to come into effect.

"Parents and nursery staff will feel let down if such a major expansion turns out to be a headline-grabbing announcement at a party conference rather than a siginificant and fully-funded commitment to the future of pre-school children and their care.

"It is vital that this expansion is properly funded. We do not want to see nurseries charging parents top-up fees because the funding for the new 'free' places isn't sufficient.   

"Such a major extension of provision will only succeed if the Government addresses the low wages and status of nursery staff.  It will be difficult to recruit the extra staff who will be needed without a significant improvement in pay and conditions. It is vital for the future of childcare that the professionalism, training and responsibilities of nursery staff  are recognised with the creation of a proper professional career and salary structure for all early years workers.  These trained and qualified professionals must no longer be overlooked."