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The Alliance, along with PACEY and NDNA, has written an open letter to all political parties ahead of the 2017 general election, asking them not to pledge childcare promises that the sector is unable to deliver.

 

The organisations are hoping to avoid another “bidding war” over childcare as seen in the 2015 general election. The Labour party initally pledged 20-hours a week of subsidised childcare, while the Conservative party later offered 30-hours. The subsequent 30-hours offer has been widely criticised by the early years sector, with an Alliance survey reporting that just 44% of providers were planning to join the scheme.

 

The open letter reads: “In 2015 there was a pre-election arms race on childcare policy, with political parties looking to outbid each other on their offer to parents. Two years on, the pledge of 30-hours free childcare for working parents is putting the quality and viability of early years provision at risk.”

 

The letter continues: “Politicians rightly recognise that childcare has a dual benefit of educational outcomes for children and support for parents to work and train. However, chronic underfunding remains and per-child investment in under gives is half that of primary school children.”

 

Purnima Tanuku, chief executive of NDNA, Liz Bayram, chief executive of PACEY and Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Alliance, all signed the open letter. The group are asking for “well-thought out plans” created in consultation with the early years sector instead of “rash promises”.