Opinion: Soapbox - The crucial importance of sufficient childcare

One reason for this is because childcare is the essential element thatenables children, young people and families to access all the serviceswe are creating to achieve better outcomes. However, it is alsoimportant because the development of childcare strategies, extendedschool and children's centre services provides local authorities withopportunities to involve, and engage, new and existing stakeholders.

The Government has brought the three strategies together in aconsultation on how councils will meet the new duty to ensure there aresufficient childcare services in their local area (Children Now, 30August-5 September). But I believe there is a danger that some localauthorities may separate the practical implementation of thesestrategies by overlooking the central importance of childcare. Thiswould result in fundamental gaps in authorities' assessment of futureneeds and, in turn, deprive families of an essential service.