Chris Mole MP today attended the launch of the Suffolk PVI Childcare Network at the Ipswich County Library.

The Network has been jointly created by the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) and Suffolk County Council. It will allow local childcare providers to come together and address issues facing the sector such as financial sustainability and progress in the field. As a result it will aid local providers in the key goal of delivering quality, affordable and accessible childcare.

The Government has highlighted the importance of the private, voluntary and independent sector in delivering childcare and placed duties on local authorities to work with such groups under the Childcare Act 2006. The PVI Network will help facilitate communication between Suffolk County Council and key stakeholders.

Chris said:

"It seems clear to me that good quality childcare has such an important role to play in meeting the needs of children and working parents. Getting this right is a pivotal element of tackling child poverty and providing the right start in life.

"A network for private, voluntary and independent sector providers is an essential tool in ensuring that best practice is shared, practical problems are overcome and standards are raised. A forum for co-operation and challenge can only be in the interests of both the providers and the children."