Childcare charity calls for local children's centres

Childcare charity Daycare Trust has called for the creation of children's centres in every community. The centres would give universal access to good quality childcare, with a sliding scale of fees according to the ability to pay.

The call comes as the government concludes its review of childcare policy and sets out its plans for childcare to 2010. Stephen Burke, director of Daycare Trust, said: "The government's review of childcare provides a once in a lifetime opportunity to set a vision for childcare for all children and parents who want and need it. Children's centres in every community would be an investment in all our futures."

A Daycare Trust report, Time for children's centres, doesn't set out a single model for children's centres, but says that they would follow a common approach of providing a variety of services such as day nurseries, out-of-school care, early education services and perhaps a childcare advisor and toy library.

People can find out more and register their support for the idea of children's centres on the Daycare Trust website at www.daycaretrust.org.uk or by telephoning 020 7840 3350.

* The T&G general union has revealed that over 1,500 childcare workers have joined the union following its childcare campaign, launched in November 1999. T&G national organiser Diana Holland said: "With over 1,500 new members working in childcare we are in a much stronger position now in terms of negotiating with employers, representing our members generally and lobbying government."