8 Jun 2005 - DAYCARE TRUST SHOWS THAT CHILDCARE IS EVERYBODYS BUSINESS

The Chancellor, Gordon Brown, and Daycare Trust, heralded the best family-friendly small businesses and parents campaigning for better childcare at a ceremony at No.11 Downing Street today.

Childcare Champions awards, sponsored by Calpol, were presented to parents who have made a real difference in their local communities in improving childcare services. Small businesses were also in the spotlight, with four of the best family-friendly firms scooping Parents Employer of Choice Awards, in association with the Federation of Small Businesses.

Chancellor Gordon Brown today applauded the winners, celebrated as part of National Childcare Week; in a ceremony that highlighted how good childcare is everybodys business, with a positive work/life balance benefiting business, employees and their children.

Susan Crane, Chief Executive of Daycare Trust, said:
Today we recognise the outstanding role played by parents and employers who are working to support the childcare needs of families. Congratulations to all the award winners; to our Employers of Choice for their commitment to support working parents and to our Childcare Champions, supported by Calpol, for improving childcare services in their local communities.

It is clear, as we commend the best family-friendly practices in small businesses and the dedication and extraordinary achievement of these parents, that childcare is everybodys business.


One of the three National Childcare Champions Award winners is:

Gemma Darby
The mother of two small children, Gemma is a committed member of a local community group who successfully developed a neighbourhood nursery within the local council estate. Gemma has been actively involved with the group for many years and in addition has run the local toddler group for five years. She also heads an after school club for eight-11 year olds. Her dedication is outstanding and has made a positive impact to the lives of families, children and young people in the community. All this and Gemma is only 23 years old!