Delegates were addressed by children's minister Beverley Hughes, who stressed that research showed that having highly qualified staff resulted in better outcomes for children.
One delegate pointed out there was no research evidence to support the idea that care of the under-twos was enhanced by graduates. Ms Hughes said, 'While this is true, it would be wrong to ignore the body of evidence we have for three- to four-year-olds. There is great varia- bility within childcare and we cannot afford to be complacent.'
She also fielded questions on sustainability within the private and voluntary sector. 'Sustainability is more acute in some areas and this is why local authorities are being given the duty to work at local level. The work of the NDNA is important to us in helping to navigate local systems and ensure everyone can come to the table.'
The NDNA award for Carer of the Year went to Carol MacDonald of Rockbourne Day Nursery in Woolton, Liverpool, while Crocus Early Years Centre in Sudbury, Suffolk, was named Nursery of the Year.
Member champions for 2006 included Rosemary Murphy MBE and Linda Baston-Pitt of the Old School House Day Nursery in Stetchworth, Cambridgeshire.