The plan is part of an 'information revolution' promised by the Prime Minister to help people 'share information and experiences' about childcare, healthcare and police in their area.
In the document called Working Together, Gordon Brown said, 'People take it for granted that they will access other people's reviews and ratings before buying something on eBay or Amazon, and yet we do not yet have systematic access to other people's experiences when choosing a GP practice or nursery.'
He added, 'We are ushering in a new world of accountability in which parents, patients and local communities shape the services they receive, ensuring all our public services respond not simply to the hand of Government, but to the voice of local people.'
A national price comparison website will be up and running early next year, which is to cover 'the full range of childcare providers'.
The site will also give information on quality from Ofsted, and include a message board where parents can give feedback on any provider to help others 'make the best choices for their children, and drive improvement in quality'.
Potential dangers
The National Day Nurseries Association questioned how the price comparison website would work in practice and whether, rather than duplicating advice, the role of Family Information Services could be developed.
Chief executive Purnima Tanuku said, 'Unless very carefully managed, it will be difficult to communicate to parents why prices may differ - for example, if all staff are highly qualified and experienced, or the nursery has completed a quality assurance scheme. There is a real danger if comparing prices is the real driver for a parents' visit - this will lead to settings charging similar levels to competitors rather than what is sustainable, and parents basing visiting short-lists on price alone.'
She added, 'Any online forum allowing parents to share feedback will need management and monitoring of content to ensure legal compliance, as it would be all too easy for a disgruntled parent to post an unfounded complaint. There must be channels for nurseries to address and respond to these to protect needless damage to reputations.'
For more information go to www.hmg.gov.uk/workingtogether.aspx