Childcare Bill

Part of the debate – in the House of Lords at 3:30 pm on 26 June 2006.

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Photo of Baroness Morris of Bolton Baroness Morris of Bolton Deputy Chief Whip, Whips, Shadow Minister, Education, Shadow Minister (Children), Health, Shadow Minister (Women), Trade & Industry 3:30, 26 June 2006

My Lords, I support the amendment. As the noble Baroness, Lady Walmsley, said, we have had long and detailed debates on quality throughout the passage of the Bill. Gillian Pugh, in the book Contemporary Issues in the Early Years, states that the issue of quality has been discussed in every book on early childhood services during the past decade and has to be seen as a complex process rather than a tidy set of outcomes.

However, just because something is complex does not mean that we should shy away from it. In Grand Committee, I attempted to define a measure of quality by referring to a 2004 National Audit Office report that identified the following indicators of quality: adult/child interaction that is responsive, affectionate and readily available; well trained staff who are committed to their work with children; facilities that are safe and sanitary and accessible to parents; ratios and group sizes that allow staff to interact appropriately with children; supervision that maintains consistency; and staff development that ensures continuity, stability and improving quality. In addition, of course, we have Ofsted, which the noble Baroness, Lady Walmsley, has covered in detail.

But, whatever measure is used, I find it quite extraordinary that a Government who are always talking about high-quality childcare fail to put the word "quality" anywhere on the face of the Bill. The amendment would do much to allay the fear of many that the provision of sufficient and appropriate childcare by local authorities is in danger of becoming a tick-box activity.