Daily roundup: childminder agencies, Tech-levels, and early intervention

Early years organisations have criticised the government over plans that could see childminder agencies charge parents for using them. Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Pre-school Learning Alliance, said he was "appalled" that the government was considering implementing a proposal that would likely increase costs of childcare to parents. Pacey said it was "surprised" that agencies may be able to charge parents a fee for finding them a childminder.

Technical courses for 16- to 19-year-olds will gain the same status as A-levels from next year if they gain support from business or universities, the government has announced. Tech-levels will take as long to complete as A-levels and will need to be endorsed by a professional association or at least five employers, the BBC reports.

The Early Intervention Foundation charity was officially launched at a London conference today. Chaired by Graham Allen MP and led by Carey Oppenheim, the foundation will campaign for greater investment and emphasis put on tackling in childhood the causes of social problems rather than the symptoms later in life.