Series of party conference fringe events bring childcare to the forefront of the political agenda

Crucial childcare issues will be debated by a range of politicians, journalists and industry experts at lively fringe events to be held at each party conference by the Childcare Coalition, a grouping of the 5 leading childcare charities. The Childcare Challenge events present a valuable opportunity to discuss challenges in delivering the childcare agenda such as affordability, accessibility and quality. The events are organised by the Childcare Coalition with the support of the London Development Agency.

Denise Burke, Head of Childcare and Family Services, London Development Agency, said:
“It’s great that all political parties are recognising the crucial role and influence that childcare plays across a broad range of policy areas – from eradicating child poverty to improving educational attainment. These events will challenge Government and opposition parties to present their vision for childcare, spelling out how they will tackle the three main themes – affordability, accessibility and quality. It’s an un-missable opportunity to join a debate which could help to influence and shape the future of childcare for families across the country.”

Diary dates
LIBERAL DEMOCRAT PARTY CONFERENCE
1.00-2.00pm on Tuesday 16 September
Connaught Hotel, Bournemouth

Speakers:
Denise Burke (Chair): Head of Childcare and Family Services, London Development Agency
Annette Brooke MP: Shadow Spokesperson for Children, Young People and Families
Amy Griggs: Editor, Child Care Magazine
Margaret Lochrie: Director, Capacity

LABOUR PARTY CONFERENCE
1.00-2.00pm on Tuesday 23 September
Rolls Suite, Midland Hotel, Manchester

Speakers:
Denise Burke (Chair): Head of Childcare and Family Services, London Development Agency
Beverley Hughes MP: Minister for Children, Young People and Families
Polly Toynbee: Columnist, The Guardian
Lisa Harker: Director, IPPR

CONSERVATIVE PARTY CONFERENCE
12.30-2.00pm on Sunday 28 September
Exec Room 2, ICC, Birmingham

Speakers:
Denise Burke (Chair): Head of Childcare and Family Services, London Development Agency
Boris Johnson (tbc): Mayor of London
Maria Miller MP: Shadow Minister, Children, Schools and Families
Anastasia de Waal:Head of Family and Education, Civitas
Tristan Donovan: News Editor, Children & Young People Now

Together the Coalition charities represent parents, carers and 350,000 childcare workers across the UK who are collectively responsible for the care of nearly one and a half million children.

For further information about the event, please contact 4Children on 020 7512 2100 or email info@4Children.org.uk.

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Notes to the Editor

Contact: Julie Watkins on 020 7522 6928 / julie.watkins@4Children.org.uk

The Childcare Coalition is comprised of the five national childcare charities: 4Children; The Daycare Trust; NCMA; NDNA and the Pre-school Learning Alliance.

London Development Agency (LDA): The Mayor launched the London Childcare Strategy in November 2003. The delivery agent for the Strategy is the LDA, which is also the lead Regional Development Agency for childcare. The LDA has committed over £16 million investment for childcare programmes 2006/07. www.lda.gov.uk

4Children is the national charity dedicated to creating opportunities and building futures for all children. It aspires to ensure that all children, young people and families have access to a creative, safe and child focused environment, and activities. 4Children provides an information line for parents and childcare professionals with advice and support on all aspects of childcare, including details of out of school clubs in your area. For more information see: www.4Children.org.uk

Daycare Trust is the national childcare charity, campaigning for quality affordable childcare for all and raising the voices of children, parents and carers. We advise parents and carers, providers, employers, trade unions and policy makers on childcare issues. Our childcare information line is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 10am-5pm. www.daycaretrust.org.uk

The National Childminding Association of England and Wales (NCMA) is a charity and professional association. We believe every child should reach their full potential and, since 1977, have worked with registered childminders, nannies as well as other individuals and organisations, such as local and national government, to ensure families in every community in England and Wales have access to high quality home-based childcare, play, learning and family support. For more information about NCMA and its work, visit www.ncma.org.uk or call 0845 880 0044.

National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) is a national charity representing children’s day nurseries across the UK, giving them information, training and support, so they can provide the best possible care to young children. NDNA is the voice of the sector, an integral part of the lives of nearly one million children and their families. www.ndna.org.uk

The Pre-school Learning Alliance is the largest voluntary sector provider of quality affordable childcare and education in England. The Alliance offers professional and practical support to over 15,000 early years settings and nearly 800,000 young children and their families every year. The Alliance runs children’s centres and nurseries, sessional care and family learning programmes and is a major partner and contributor to the Sure Start programme. The organisation also offers information and advice, runs acclaimed training and accreditation programmes and campaigns to influence policy and practice. www.pre-school.org.uk

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