I think I like Nick Clegg

merlot That's what I was wondering - are the owners making huge profits? Presumably all the costs that you mention have always existed. I saw a nursery owner being interviewed on TV and she said she certainly wasn't making lots of money but it does make you wonder.

I'm sure that years ago most nurseries were council run but now most of them are private.

janthea... about the twisting and turning in the wind- the best ever was another Liberal (?!?) Churchill more opportunistic than that you can't get...

I suppose as well as staff costs you have to factor in equipment, insurance, food, fuel, business rates, maintenance and other hidden costs. Nursery owners seem to do alright though.

Does anyone know why childcare costs are so high in the UK? It's not as if nursery workers are paid well - they earn a pittance. I don't recall nursery fees being a big issue years ago - presumably if they'd been as enormous as they are now we'd have heard more about it.

Do the other countries that have much cheaper childcare provide big subsidies for childcare or do large employers have to pay something towards childcare?

The whole thing is becoming completely ridiculous. Many women are going out to work and paying most of their salary towards childcare. Yet they feel they have to do this if they are to maintain their employment status and benefits.

And even if it did, would parents want their children to be inadequately supervised as a result?

The rationale for it was that it would reduce the cost of childcare for the parents. Does anyone believe that will happen?

He's doing what all Lib Dems do - flip flops, twists and turns in the wind.

Eloethan

Because he wasn't so desperate to try and claw back some credibility then.

But, why didn't he argue when the principle was agreed?

I honestly don't think it is possible for one person to look after six two year olds. There was a lady on TV last night who said that year 2 in a child's life sees more changes that any other year group. She went on to explain that in a small group of two year olds there could be a couple still in nappies, some unable to string more than a word or two together, some going through the tantrum stage, some who cry a lot and are terribly clingy and some who are highly advanced and need much more stimulation.

How could one person look after 6 children all at different stages of "2" and give them all what they need. It's ridiculous.

Currently a significant number of nurseries when inspected are only obtaining a "satisfactory" grade (which isn't exactly a ringing endorsement). I can't imagine how increasing the ratio of children to carers is going to improve that situation.

I agree with Nick Clegg but he's not exactly brave in disagreeing with something that no doubt many people (especially parents) think is a very bad idea. I was listening to a childminder talking on the radio today and she raised the point that it would be impossible for her to properly cater for the needs of six young children. For instance she takes the children in her care to different activites and to the park, and she would be unable to do that if she was looking after six children.

I actually like Nick Clegg ...

For once I am in agreement with Nick Clegg. It's a good principle on which to differ from the boss.

I noticed that David Cameron when supporting this dangerous idea compared how expensive child care was in the UK compared with France and completely overlooked that this is because in France children can move into the state funded educational sector from the age of 2.

Well, I too am surprised to find myself agreeing with Nick Clegg who always comes across as a wet fish - but he is quite right. You should see the chaos here with two boys aged 4 and 18 months. There is no way one individual could safely care for 6 two-year-olds - it is perfectly ludicrous! Even if they were able to keep the children safe, how much stimulation/conversation/reading etc could go on?

I was amazed to hear this on the news this morning - I truly thought they had read it wrong. Quite quite bonkers!

I second that Florence, when I was a child minder it was three under five. I know it was in my home and not a purpose built nursery, but six two year olds? Heavens to Betsy!

I'd like to see a politician cope with 5 under threes for 2 hours!

I mean, I'm agreeing with Nick Clegg here, not something I do often!

One person to look after six two-year-olds? I feel faint at the thought!
How on earth can that be a good idea...?