Support parents

ChILDCARe in Britain is the least affordable in the developed world.

Financial necessity means both parents have to work full-time. however, I don’t believe free childcare is necessarily the solution.

The taxation and benefit systems in other countries ensure that one parent is able to remain at home in the first few years of a child’s life.

All children are entitled to this care and attention before starting primary school. Providing support for parents who wish to stay at home would be far less costly than the Government paying private childcare providers.

Children whose formative years are spent with their parents in a supportive environment are far less likely to fall behind at school or display anti-social behaviour. Society undervalues the role of parents. A stable family background has incalculable value for children and the country. K.J. CAVENDISH,

London SE21.