Politicians are being urged to simplify the way they fund free childcare for pre-school children by creating what is being dubbed a "childcare passport".
The National Day Nurseries Association idea would draw all existing funding streams into one account which parents could then use as they choose. The body, which represents 20,000 independent nurseries, says the current funding system is too complicated. The idea could "solve" the childcare issue for the long term, it said.
NDNA chief executive Purnima Tanuku said it would put families at the heart of childcare, cut bureaucracy and allow nurseries to get on with caring for and educating children. The three main political parties back the continuation of free childcare for pre-school children.
In England, there are four main funding streams - employer-supported childcare vouchers, tax-free childcare (which is due to be introduced this year), various free early years entitlements, depending on the age of the child, and any help via tax credits or universal credit.
