Childcare will be at the forefront of the campaign for the next general election. Labour signalled this clearly last week with the publication of the Government's five-year plan for education.
The strategy for children and learners was more radical than many had expected, with wide-ranging implications for the sector and a complete overhaul for local education authorities.
Education secretary Charles Clarke unveiled his vision for wholesale changes to early years and childcare last Thursday. While the sentiments were welcome, concerns were immediately expressed.
Was the Government's ambition on childcare worryingly limited? And were some sections of the education agenda at variance with others?
Paul Ennals, chief executive of the National Children's Bureau, is worried about Tony Blair's plans to give schools greater independence and establish foundation schools and city academies.
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