Children's minister Beverley Hughes is excited about the updated 10-year childcare strategy, which was published yesterday (28 January). She believes it clearly outlines the government's commitment to providing a world-class public service, offering free and flexible childcare to all. The sentiment is irrefutable but questions remain over where the money to pay the people providing this service will come from.
If the government makes it a legal requirement to have all practitioners qualified to A-level standard (NVQ Level 3) by 2015, as discussed in January's New Opportunities white paper and reinforced in the updated childcare strategy, Hughes says there will be some dedicated funds to support this mission, possibly in a similar form to the graduate leader fund. But as for addressing the issue of low-pay in the sector, the government appears happy to maintain a laissez-faire approach, with Hughes believing "the market" will determine its next steps. However, she adds: "People who are highly qualified will be able to command more pay and we are going to have to take that into our considerations"
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