Truss failed to meet major providers during childcare consultation

Labour has responded by accusing her of having "favoured childcare businesses who enjoy regular access".

The list, released by the Department for Education in response to a parliamentary question, shows Truss did not meet the Pre-school Learning Alliance until after the DfE published its childcare reform proposals in January. The alliance is the largest early years sector membership organisation in England, with more than 14,000 member settings.

The Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (Pacey) - formerly the National Childminding Association (NCMA) - met Truss only once, in March. It represents more than 35,000 childcare professionals.

Both organisations have been ardent critics of the DfE’s More Great Childcare publication, which includes plans to change child-to-carer ratios in early years settings.

By contrast, Truss met with private nursery chain KidsUnlimited no fewer than seven times between 1 October 2012 and 8 May 2013. At the launch of More Great Childcare, KidsUnlimited chief executive Ros Marshall was cited as an endorser of the ratios plans.

She was quoted by the government as saying she “welcomed the ‘drive for a better qualified workforce in the early years’, and the opportunities offered by the proposed changes to staff:child ratios”.