The government has today published its response to the consultation on the regulation of childcare.

Speaking about the response, Liz Bayram said, "Whilst any additional childcare support for parents is welcome, PACEY is concerned that this will leave to an increase in the amount of time children are kept in school. This will not suit all children, especially children attending infant classes.

"PACEY remains keen to see how, alongside this, existing providers of out-of-school care, in particular childminders, are supported to contunue to offer parents the choice of a home-based environment for their children.

"Plans to extend the limit for informal childcare from two to three hours will mean some childminders who just offer wraparound care are now facing a double sustainability challenge."