Features

To the point - The most urgent reform

The coalition Government has a long list of policies it wants to review and rewrite. That's what new Governments do, even though it is an exhausting exercise, and may not in the end lead anywhere.

As usual, I half agree with some of the proposals. The welfare-work balance is out of kilter, and people (especially mothers) need to be able to come off benefits without losing out financially.

Regulation is always a problem. We have a draconian and over-centralised system of regulation in Ofsted, and local authorities, who are on the spot, have little say over what goes on locally. It would be better to set higher levels for qualification and training and for premises, so standards do not need to be constantly patrolled through inspections - we could expect and trust that any nursery would be a decent, stimulating place for children to spend their time.

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