Many said they were sad to see her go and praised her work, describingher as a 'champion' for high-quality early childhood education andchildcare and admiring her dedication to delivering Sure Startchildren's centres and the Early Years Foundation Stage.
Critics of the EYFS, the Open Eye campaign, also praised her energy andcommitment.
Ms Hughes had been minister for children and families since 2005.
In a letter to the Prime Minister she said, 'I would not have chosen thecurrent appalling climate to announce my decision when so many membersare resigning for reasons to do with their Parliamentary allowances. Iwant to make it absolutely clear that this has nothing whatsoever to dowith my decision or the reason for making it public now.'
Children's secretary Ed Balls said Ms Hughes had been an 'outstanding'children's minister.
Daycare Trust joint chief executive Alison Garnham said, 'She has been atireless champion of high-quality early childhood education and care.The recent opening of the 3,000th Sure Start Children's Centre is afitting testament to her substantial achievements in office.'
Pre-school Learning Alliance chief executive Steve Alexander said,'Beverley Hughes has been a great supporter of the Alliance's work. Shehas been a great ambassador for the education and welfare of allchildren, a fact exemplified by many of the initiatives introducedduring her time in office.'
Purnima Tanuku, chief executive of the National Day NurseriesAssociation, said, 'She has shown her commitment to the mixed economyand has valued the important role that private, voluntary andindependent providers have in delivering high quality childcare andearly learning.'
Andrew Fletcher, joint chief executive of National ChildmindingAssociation, said, 'In implementing the ten-year strategy, she has beena strong advocate for home-based childcare.'