Announcing the childcare strategy, Education and Employment Secretary David Blunkett said: “Our aim is to ensure that no parent is prevented from taking up work, education or training through lack of affordable, accessible and quality childcare and that children’s personal, social and educational needs are placed at the centre of the Strategy.”He described the main features of the strategy as:

new provision for children who are four years old and in full time education
a boost in the provision of childcare in Further Education colleges
providing training, qualifications and business support for childcare providers
carrying out an audit of childcare supply and demand and information services.