Childcare sector slams 'misguided' government early years policies

The results of the Pre-school Learning Alliance’s Early Years Agenda survey reveal overwhelming opposition to a number of new policies.

According to the report, 86 per cent of childminders will not join a childminder agency when they are officially introduced in September.

Meanwhile, 85 per cent of childminders disagree with Ofsted’s plans to only inspect agencies and not the individuals who sign up to them.

The report also shows that 81 per cent of childcare professionals oppose plans to encourage more schools to provide early education to two-year-olds.

In addition, the report shows that only three per cent of practitioners feel that the government adequately consults with the sector when developing policies.

Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Pre-school Learning Alliance, said the findings of the survey show that the government is misguided in its policy approach.

He said: “These results prove that government reforms are taking childcare in this country in completely the wrong direction.

“Rather than introducing changes that will support early learning opportunities and give children the best start in life, the government is trying to deliver childcare on the cheap.

“The government must start listening to these concerns and rethink its approach to childcare reform.

“When a whole sector of professionals is telling you that your proposals are misguided, it’s time to go back to the drawing board.”